Niuland turns back 200 vehicles carrying evicted individuals from Assam

DIMAPUR — Rising to the call for heightened vigilance issued by the state’s commissioner, the Niuland district administration has reportedly turned back around 200 vehicles carrying “evicted illegal immigrants” from Assam as they attempted to enter the district on the night of July 22.

In an update on the official X account, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Niuland, S Sara Jamir, stated that the district administration, along with police and CRPF personnel, intercepted more than 200 vehicles carrying evicted individuals at various check posts.

She confirmed that all immigrants were deported promptly after undergoing necessary verification procedures.

The DC also appealed to residents across Niuland not to panic but to remain alert and vigilant.

She directed all villages to report any unusual movement or suspected migration in their areas to the district administration immediately.

On social media, one individual shared that youths from his village intercepted two fully loaded pickup trucks on Wednesday morning.

The occupants reportedly confessed they were from Assam. The trucks were then pushed back by district officials. The post also mentioned similar incidents reported from 2–3 other locations on the night of July 22.

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While Niuland responded swiftly to the situation, neighbouring districts like Dimapur and Chümoukedima remain vulnerable due to porous borders and multiple entry points.

Locals have observed individuals of doubtful identity loitering near Dimapur’s Clock Tower area late at night, often seen with luggage and believed to have arrived by road from Assam.

Additionally, the open access at Dimapur Railway Station provides further opportunity for infiltration. Residents have also raised concerns over Chümoukedima district, particularly the Doyapur and Dhansiripar areas, where entry is possible without thorough security checks.

The newly launched Shukhovi Railway Station has also been flagged as a potential entry point for illegal immigrants.

In an official advisory issued on July 21, the state commissioner directed all deputy commissioners to step up vigilance and implement proactive measures to prevent the influx of displaced individuals.

Read more: Nagaland government issues advisory to prevent influx of illegal immigrants amid Assam’s eviction drive

The advisory was issued in light of the large-scale eviction drive underway in Assam, with concerns that some evicted individuals may attempt to cross into Nagaland.

The directive underscored that such measures are essential to maintaining law and order and protecting the demographic integrity of the state.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had recently revealed that around 50,000 people have been evicted from approximately 160 square kilometres of land since his government assumed office in 2021.

EDTC urges vigilance

In response to these developments, the East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) has also issued an appeal to the citizens to stay vigilant. The council warned that the ongoing eviction drive in Assam may result in illegal immigrants attempting to take refuge within its jurisdiction.

Calling the issue a serious concern for the safety and security of the community, the EDTC urged all residents—particularly landlords and landowners—to be cautious about the settlement of unknown individuals in their neighbourhoods.

It advised the public to verify the identity and legal status of all tenants, workers, or other occupants before offering accommodation or employment. Citizens were also asked to promptly report any suspicious activity or suspected illegal immigrants to the authorities.

The council warned that individuals or landowners found knowingly sheltering illegal immigrants would face legal consequences as per applicable laws.

It further stated that public cooperation and prompt reporting would help prevent unlawful activities and ensure the safety of everyone.

Also read: Guwahati's Institute of Hotel Management campus demolished in eviction drive