Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has raised serious concern over potential mass exodus of Bangladeshi nationals into the Naga homeland amid ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh. NSF president Medovi Rhi and general secretary Chumben Khuvung in a statement cited historical precedents that have led to demographic and socio-economic challenges in the region, and therefore, called for urgent government action to prevent a recurrence.
Further NSDF emphasized the need for immediate collaboration with neighboring states to bolster border security, enforce stringent immigration controls, and rigorously implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP).
The federation also expressed deep concern over the recent civil unrest in Bangladesh, which it said, threatened not only regional stability but also poses a significant risk to the North East. NSF has urged the state government to take swift and decisive measures to avoid a repeat of the historical patterns of mass immigration from Bangladesh.
The duo also appealed to the local authorities and community leaders to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration. NSF stressed the importance of village councils refraining from issuing Permanent Residential Certificates (PRCs) to illegal immigrants to safeguard the interests of the indigenous Naga people. It also reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights, culture, and identity of the Naga community.
The signatories reaffirmed a united effort to resolve the pressing issue of illegal immigration and urge all stakeholders to work together to ensure the stability and prosperity of the Naga homeland and the north-eastern region at large.
Highlighting the historical context, the two recalled that the North Eastern region had long been a refuge for those fleeing turmoil in neighboring countries. They recalled the history of partition of India in 1947, where numerous Bengalis from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) crossed the border, significantly altering the demographic landscape in Assam and Tripura. Similarly, the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 saw another massive influx of East Pakistanis into India, exacerbating the demographic imbalance in states like Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya, they said.
NSF said this pattern of mass migration has repeatedly led to tensions and competition for resources, jobs, and land in the Northeast. They are particularly alarmed by the potential of the current crisis to repeat history, resulting in an uncontrollable influx of illegal immigrants into the Naga homeland.
NSF has therefore warned that such an influx would strain the state’s already limited resources and pose a serious threat to the cultural and demographic fabric of the Naga community. It said that for years, Nagaland has grappled with the unabated inflow of illegal immigrants. And despite efforts by the state government and local authorities, challenges have persisted, creating a complex web of issues.
The NSF cited demographic imbalance, economic strain, and social tensions as key concerns. They claimed that the continuous inflow of illegal immigrants had led to a significant demographic shift in many parts of the Northeast, including the Naga homeland, threatening the cultural identity and traditional way of life of the indigenous Naga people.
The illegal immigration crisis places immense pressure on the state’s economy, intensifying competition for limited resources, employment, and public services, leading to economic instability and hardship for the local population. The NSF warned that the arrival of large numbers of illegal immigrants had the potential to ignite social unrest and conflict within communities. They feared that the current civil unrest in Bangladesh could exacerbate these tensions, leading to further instability in the region.
The NSF’s call to action highlights the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the complex and multi-faceted issue of illegal immigration, ensuring the stability and prosperity of the Naga homeland and the broader North Eastern region.