Naga organisations wary of illegal immigrant influx

DIMAPUR — Against the backdrop of the recent eviction drive of illegal immigrants in bordering Assam state, various Naga frontal organisations have expressed apprehension over the potential influx of illegal immigrants into the state.

Western Sümi organisations: In response to the recent eviction drive of illegal immigrants in Assam subsequent advisory issued by the Commissioner Nagaland, a joint meeting of the Western Sümi frontal organisations was convened to deliberate on the potential influx of illegal immigrants into the region.

The meeting, under the aegis of the Western Sümi Hoho, was attended by representatives from the Western Sümi Kukami Hoho, Western Sümi Totimi Hoho, Western Sümi Youth Front, Western Sümi Students' Union, and the Western Sümi Sports Association, an update stated.

Acknowledging the urgency of the situation, the meeting resolved to implement the proactive measures, including formation of village-level vigilance committees, coordination with government agencies, certification and documentation initiatives, and strengthening border vigilance.

Read top news: 10th NAP (IR) deployed in Ralan ahead of Assam eviction drive

The meeting resolved to establish or strengthen village-level vigilance committees to monitor and report suspicious movements or unauthorised settlements, to closely cooperate with authorities, report suspected cases, and advocate strict enforcement of immigration and land laws.

The organisations also urged the state government to conduct periodic verification and documentation exercises. “The frontal organisations stand ready to assist in these efforts to ensure transparency and adherence to due legal process,” it stated.

The meeting further decided that advocacy efforts will focus on boosting surveillance in vulnerable border areas through deployment of community volunteers to prevent unauthorised entry.

“The Western Sümi organisations reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting the rights, land, and cultural identity of the Naga people. All community members are urged to remain vigilant and actively support these initiatives in the interest of regional peace, security and harmony,” it added.

United Sangtam Students’ Conference:  Taking serious note of the potential ramifications, including demographic instability and socio-economic breakdown, the integrity, the United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has come out with certain directives and appeals.

The USSC advised all non-local individuals currently residing in Kiphire district and Longkhim sub-division to refrain from aiding the entry or settlement of additional non-locals, warning that doing so may disrupt communal harmony.

Also read: Organisations raise alarm over possible illegal immigrant influx into Nagaland

The student body requested the district administration of Kiphire and Tuensang to temporarily suspend issuing permits, including ILPs, to non-locals, and to enforce strict verification protocols in exceptional cases.

It also appealed to the law enforcement agencies to set up temporary checkpoints and strictly verify documents of all individuals entering or exiting Sangtam jurisdiction.

Further, all contractors, project implementers, and entities engaged in developmental initiatives within the Sangtam jurisdiction have been instructed to avoid hiring non-local labourers from outside districts for construction and infrastructure projects until further notice from USSC.

“These measures are undertaken in the larger interest of its indigenous inhabitants, preserving its local interest and stability within its jurisdiction. The USSC cautions that extensive surprise checking will be conducted in this regard and any individuals, either local or non-local, found in possession of new entries will be dealt seriously by the conference,” it added.

Chakhesang Youth Front: To uphold the safety, security, and demographic integrity of Phek district, the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) urged all its units to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or unknown individuals to the district administration

In a press release, the youth front also urged the district administration to strengthen border vigilance and intensify checks at entry points to deter illegal infiltration; conduct thorough verification procedures for individuals lacking proper documentation/valid identity; and to take prompt legal action, including deportation, against those identified as illegal immigrants.

Additionally, the CYF appealed the district administration to set up helpline number for reporting such cases.

Further, all villages, towns, and settlements under Phek district have been requested to strictly adhere to the CYF’s directive.

“Village councils, ward authorities, and local organisations are requested to monitor new arrivals and conduct necessary verifications to prevent unauthorised entry or settlement,” it stated.

“The Chakhesang Youth Front stands committed to safeguarding our community’s socio-cultural and demographic integrity. We call upon all citizens to cooperate with authorities and remain proactive in ensuring the security of our homeland.”

CDVCA: The Chümoukedima District Village Councils' Association (CDVCA) requested all member villages, especially those in close proximity with Assam such as Urra, Murise, Tsithrongse, Kiyeto, Dhansiripar etc., to deploy volunteers and be vigilant round the clock since these villages are situated close to the Dhansiri river which serves as the interstate boundary.

In a press release, the association also appealed to all the village councils in Chümoukedima district to ensure that there are no new unregistered immigrants in their respective jurisdictions, and that if such persons are detected, the councils should immediately bring it to the notice of the district administration for further action.

Additionally, the association requested the state government to deploy police personnel for patrolling along Dhansiri river banks to prevent illegal entry, to strengthen monitoring at Shokhuvi Railway station to curb unauthorised entry, and to coordinate with village councils to implement ILP regime strictly.