Nagaland: Railway security gaps cause worry amid immigration crackdown

DIMAPUR — Nagaland government and Naga frontal organisations have stepped up vigilance in districts bordering Assam following reports of alleged illegal immigrants attempting to enter the state. The move is aimed at preventing unauthorised entry and safeguarding the state’s internal security.

However, the lack of adequate security apparatus at Dimapur and Shokhuvi railway stations, especially the inability to address the problem of multiple entry and exit points, has emerged as a major concern.

Personnel from the Government Railway Police Station (GRPS) told Eastern Mirror that Dimapur and Shokhuvi stations remain vulnerable due to the absence of perimeter fencing and open entry and exit points.

Also read: Naga organisations wary of illegal immigrant influx

They said that while security measures have been heightened over the past three days, no suspected illegal immigrants have been apprehended so far.

The enhanced security protocols may have been effective and deterred or prevented unauthorised entries, “however, the multiple entry and exit points may create lapses even though we are practically working on the ground to prevent any illegal entry,” a GRPS personnel pointed out.

The Dimapur railway platform is equipped with 16 CCTV cameras, but coverage is limited to the platform area. Other sections of the station remain unmonitored.

GRPS sources shared that installing additional cameras beyond the platform would help strengthen surveillance and prevent security breaches.

The railway police also reiterated concerns that the multiple entry and exit points at Dimapur station could allow undocumented individuals to slip through undetected, despite checks at the main entrance. They said that the matter has been raised with Police Headquarters (PHQ), and a response is awaited.

To address these challenges, railway police personnel suggested reorganising the station’s entry and exit points to limit, monitor and control the flow of people.

A shortage of manpower at the Dimapur station was also highlighted, particularly in view of the high volume of passengers and the need for tighter security. Additional personnel are needed to effectively manage the flow of passengers and prevent unauthorised entry, they said.

At Shokhuvi Railway Station, GRPS personnel said that the Donyi Polo Express from Naharlagun arrives daily at 9.50 am and departs at 5.45 pm. A bi-weekly passenger train from Guwahati also arrives at 11.55 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, departing at 5.30 am the following morning.

During arrivals, GRPS personnel are stationed at the platform in advance to check passengers’ ID cards. While footfall at Shokhuvi remains low, averaging at around 80 to 90 passengers, it can occasionally exceed 200.

However, after strict checking and the issuance of advisories related to illegal immigration, the number of passengers have decreased, the source said..

The GRPS, along with the Shokhuvi Village Council, is actively involved in screening for illegal immigrants.

Although the station lacks designated entry and exit points, all exits are cordoned off during security checks and passengers are directed to exit through the main gate.