Is Nagaland Ready to Tackle an Influx of Intruders After Assam’s Eviction Drive?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nagaland has declared a high alert due to potential influx of displaced individuals from Assam.
- Enhanced surveillance and additional police forces are being deployed along the border.
- Community cooperation is crucial for maintaining border security.
- Daily reports are required from all Superintendents of Police to monitor the situation.
- Efforts are being made to prevent illegal immigration and uphold state integrity.
Kohima, July 25 (NationPress) The Nagaland government has declared a heightened state of alert along the Assam-Nagaland border, anticipating that some displaced individuals may seek to enter the state following the recent eviction drive initiated by the Assam government, as reported by officials.
This response comes just a day after Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio instructed officials to bolster vigilance along the inter-state boundary.
In recent weeks, the Assam government has escalated its eviction efforts across various districts, including Barpeta, Lakhimpur, Hojai, Nagaon, Goalpara, and Cachar, targeting individuals allegedly encroaching on government and forest lands.
The eviction campaign has left many families homeless. Notably, Nagaland shares a lengthy inter-state boundary of approximately 512 km with Assam, traversing multiple districts on both sides.
During a recent review of the situation along the Nagaland-Assam border, the Chief Minister directed Chief Secretary J. Alam and Director General of Police Rupin Sharma to enhance surveillance and implement all necessary measures to identify and deport any potential illegal immigrants.
Additionally, he ordered the deployment of extra state armed police forces in border areas adjacent to Assam.
The DGP confirmed that instructions have been given to the Commissioner of Police in Dimapur, various Superintendents of Police, and Commandants to convene coordination meetings with district administrations.
Officers-in-Charge (OCs) of Police Stations, particularly in border regions, have been assigned to visit all villages, hold coordination meetings with Village Councils and Elders, and report any new arrivals to the Police and District Administration.
All Superintendents of Police have been mandated to submit daily reports to the Additional Director General of Police for Law & Order in Nagaland, as stated by the police chief.
The Chief Secretary reiterated the necessity of keeping a register of Inner Line Permit (ILP) holders in every village, to be managed by the respective Village Councils.
Any suspected illegal immigrants or unidentified individuals must be reported immediately to the district administration and police.
Chief Minister Rio has issued strong instructions to all branches of the administration, police, and enforcement agencies to take every possible measure to prevent illegal immigration into Nagaland.
He stressed that all agencies should remain vigilant and act decisively to maintain the security and integrity of the state’s borders.
Rio earnestly appealed to all community members, particularly local leaders and citizens, to cooperate fully with enforcement authorities and to stay alert.
He highlighted that a collective responsibility and coordinated action between the public and government agencies are crucial for safeguarding the interests and security of Nagaland.
The state government is dedicated to taking all necessary actions to ensure the security of Nagaland’s borders and effectively prevent illegal infiltration.
On July 21, the Nagaland government instructed all Deputy Commissioners to maintain heightened vigilance within their areas of responsibility.
Subsequently, the Deputy Commissioner of Niuland reported that over 200 vehicles carrying evicted individuals from Assam attempted to enter the district.
These attempts were successfully stopped, and the individuals were deported by the District Administration, Police, and CRPF at various checkpoints.
The state government is actively collaborating with all stakeholders to curb infiltration, and border patrolling has been significantly intensified.
The Deputy Chief Minister for Home and Border Affairs, Y. Patton, is reportedly overseeing the situation on the ground personally.
On Thursday, Patton visited vulnerable areas in the Ralan region of Wokha and Niuland districts to evaluate the situation following the eviction operations in Assam.
During his visit and in various coordination meetings in the border areas, the Deputy Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the diligent efforts of the district administration, police, village leaders, youth organizations, and volunteers in maintaining a vigilant presence along the borders.