Nagaland is on high alert, bolstering its defences along the Assam border to prevent a potential influx of displaced immigrants following eviction drives in Assam’s Dhubri and Goalpara districts. The state government, district administrations, and various civil society organizations are coordinating efforts to safeguard Nagaland’s demographic integrity and security.
Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton confirmed that additional forces have been deployed across all areas bordering Assam. This crucial step comes after discussions with Nagaland’s Director General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma and Dimapur’s Commissioner of Police (CP) K. Sophie. Reinforcements are being mobilized and stationed at strategic locations to monitor movement and prevent illegal entry. Patton clarified that any immigrants attempting to enter the state have been successfully sent back. CP Dimapur K. Sophie further corroborated these efforts, emphasizing the immediate deployment of security personnel.
District administrations are actively engaging with local communities to raise awareness and vigilance. The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur has directed all villages, wards, and colonies to remain alert and report any unusual movement or migration to the district administration and police. Similarly, DC Wokha, Vineet Kumar, issued an advisory urging village council chairmen, GBs, and village council members to remain vigilant and report any suspected illegal immigrants. These advisory aims to maintain law and order and protect the district’s demographic makeup. The Niuland district administration has already reported sending back over 200 vehicles carrying illegal immigrants who attempted to enter the district, highlighting the immediate impact of their vigilance.
Civil Society Organizations Take Proactive Measures
The gravity of the situation has prompted several civil society organizations to take proactive steps: Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF): Expressing grave concern, the WSYF has directed its area youth fronts and village units to organize rotational duties and night patrols in vulnerable locations, particularly in Niuland district due to its proximity to Assam and access through forest routes. They have urged youth volunteers to coordinate with GBs, village councils, and the district administration and have appealed for additional police forces and mobile checkpoints. The WSYF views illegal immigration as a significant demographic, cultural, and security threat to the Naga people, affirming that anyone attempting illegal entry will face strict consequences.
Konyak Students’ Union (KSU): The KSU has taken a firm stance, directing all its federating units, especially in Tizit and Naginimora, to deploy 100 volunteers daily at every entry point under Mon district. These volunteers are tasked with checking all non-locals for valid Inner Line Permits (ILP) and proper documentation, with anyone found without valid documents being deported immediately. The KSU has also appealed to the district administration to suspend ILP registration for at least one month for proper scrutiny.
Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU): The DNSU has urged the Government of Nagaland to immediately enhance security along the inter-state border, particularly at vulnerable entry points and critical transit hubs like the Dimapur railway station. They warn that unregulated movement poses serious risks to Nagaland’s demographic balance, security, and socio-political stability. The DNSU has called upon its subordinate units to remain vigilant and cooperate with local authorities to identify and address any early signs of migrant influx.
Zeliang Students’ Union Nagaland (ZLSU): The ZLSU has voiced serious concern about the threat of illegal immigrants attempting to cross into Nagaland, especially into the sensitive border region of Peren district. They have strongly urged the government, district authorities, and law enforcement agencies to take immediate preventive measures. The ZLSU has appealed to the district administration to intensify patrolling, activate temporary check gates, and verify all unfamiliar individuals, while also urging village councils to report suspicious movements and refrain from accommodating outsiders without verification.
These concerted efforts by the government, district administrations, and civil society organizations underscore Nagaland’s unwavering commitment to protecting its borders and preserving the unique identity and security of its people in the face of this evolving challenge.
State on alert against influx of evicted immigrants from Assam, Nagaland’s comprehensive and multi-pronged approach, encompassing robust government measures, vigilant district administration directives, and proactive civil society mobilization, reflects a unified resolve to protect its borders and safeguard its demographic and cultural integrity. As the situation unfolds, the continued collaboration between state authorities, local communities, and youth organizations will be paramount in mitigating the challenges posed by potential influxes and ensuring the continued peace and security of the region.