State government has directed all deputy commissioners (DCs) to maintain heightened vigilance and take proactive measures to prevent any potential influx of illegal immigrants within their respective jurisdiction.
In an advisory, Nokchasashi, joint commissioner (Hq) office of the commissioner Nagaland stated that in view of the eviction drive against the illegal immigrants undertaken by the government of Assam, there was apprehension/risk that some displaced individuals could attempt to cross into Nagaland.
The government has stated that proactive approach was crucial for maintaining law & order and for safeguarding the demographic integrity of the state.
WSSU sounds alert on Assam evictions near border
The Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing eviction drive initiated by the Government of Assam, targeting alleged illegal immigrants in various areas.
According to reports, more than 50,000 people, mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims, have been evicted from reserve forests, wetlands, grazing lands, wastelands, etc., in northeastern and western Assam since June.
In a statement, WSSU president Ikato Khulu and general secretary Vitoka N Rochill drew the urgent attention of the State government to this matter, which was reportedly now encroaching upon areas inhabited by Nagas along the inter-state border– areas that were an integral part of Nagaland.
They said it was alarming that such activities were beginning to infringe upon Nagaland’s territory, posing a direct threat to the rightful ownership of land, and the safety and security of its residents.
They claimed that these border communities had lived peacefully for generations and acted as de facto custodians of the state’s boundary.
Maintaining that the alleged illegal immigrants residing near Naga-inhabited areas along the Assam-Nagaland border were in close proximity to villages within Nagaland, they cautioned that this situation further heightened the risks of conflict, displacement, and demographic pressure on the vulnerable border communities.
They demanded that the Government of Nagaland immediately deploy adequate security forces in the affected Naga-inhabited border regions to deter unauthorised actions by external authorities.
Furthermore, they demanded that permanent outposts be established in these vulnerable areas to enable swift and effective protection of our people.
Fearing that large-scale evictions, push-backs, and expedited deportations currently underway in Assam could trigger displacement-driven movement into Nagaland, the duo expressed serious concerns over the potential influx of illegal immigrants into the state.
They said it was highly concerning that while Assam had consistently maintained multiple security outposts along the inter-state boundary, the Government of Nagaland had shown persistent negligence in this regard.
They claimed that this lack of presence and preparedness had led to repeated incidents where security forces from Assam had harassed and intimidated Naga civilians, while the Nagaland administration’s response had often been slow, inadequate, or absent.
They stressed that the time had come for the Government of Nagaland to act decisively, warning that should the state government continued its inaction, it would bear full responsibility for any future consequences arising from this escalating issue.
Assuring that the WSSU remained steadfast in its commitment to defend the land, rights, and safety of the people, they said they trusted that the Government of Nagaland would recognise the urgency and seriousness of this matter, and take immediate and effective action to uphold justice and protect the affected citizens.