CM Rio issues firm directives; AKM demands sealing of Mokokchung border
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Thursday convened a high-level meeting at his Residential Complex in Kohima to review and intensify vigilance mechanisms along the Assam-Nagaland border in the wake of Assam’s ongoing eviction drives against illegal immigrants.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police (DGP), and other senior officials. The CM directed round-the-clock surveillance and instructed the deployment of additional State Armed Police forces in vulnerable border areas adjoining Assam. He emphasized swift detection and deportation of any illegal immigrants attempting to enter Nagaland.
The DGP informed that instructions had already been issued to the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Superintendents of Police, and Commandants to hold regular coordination meetings with district officials and village councils. Officers-in-Charge (OCs) in border police stations have been tasked to conduct outreach visits to villages and submit daily reports to the Additional DGP (Law & Order).
The Chief Secretary reiterated the importance of maintaining village-level registers of Inner Line Permit (ILP) holders, a task assigned to Village Councils. He called for immediate reporting of any unidentified individuals to authorities.
Earlier on July 21, all Deputy Commissioners were instructed to maintain heightened alert. Following this, the Niuland district administration reported that over 200 vehicles carrying evicted illegal immigrants from Assam attempted to enter the district but were intercepted and deported with the help of the Police and CRPF.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who oversees Home and Border Affairs, visited sensitive areas in the Ralan region under Wokha and Niuland districts on July 24. He reviewed the situation firsthand and held multiple coordination meetings. Appreciating the efforts of police, GBs, youth groups, and volunteers, Patton underscored the need for local participation in preventing illegal entry.
In a consultative meeting at Niuland, Patton said sealing major roads alone was not enough, citing the existence of hundreds of unofficial entry routes. He assured that a new police outpost will be established soon and asked for a proposal on Village Guards to be routed through the DPDB.
MLA Achumbemo Kikon warned, “Unless we collectively take this issue seriously, the future of our younger generation will be at risk.” DC Niuland, Sara S Jamir, highlighted the ongoing challenges and said the district is working tirelessly with full government backing.
AKM issues warning on influx threat in Mokokchung
Meanwhile, the Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (AKM), the apex student body of Mokokchung, issued a strong statement demanding urgent and coordinated measures to prevent the infiltration of illegal immigrants into the district.
Signed by AKM Vice-President Onenpong and Assistant General Secretary Bangjungkaba, the statement said the state should not be “caught off-guard” following the eviction drives in Assam. “The threat posed by illegal immigration is real, and AKM remains committed to preserving and safeguarding indigenous people against this existential threat,” the statement read.
AKM warned that it will hold the Mokokchung district administration responsible for any untoward incidents if illegal immigrants are found in the district. It demanded that the Assam-Nagaland border in Mokokchung be sealed immediately.
Asserting its continued vigilance under the long-running “Survival Mokokchung” campaign, AKM also directed its range units to step up surveillance.
The group appealed to the public to remain alert and proactive, warning that the cultural identity and demographic stability of the indigenous people are under threat.
CYF calls for strict vigilance in Phek
In a parallel move, the Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has issued a directive to all its units to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements, unknown individuals, or unusual activities to the District Administration.
CYF also submitted a four-point appeal to the administration, urging authorities to: Strengthen border vigilance and intensify checks at entry points; Conduct thorough verification for individuals lacking valid documentation; Take prompt legal action, including deportation, against those identified as illegal immigrants; and Set up a helpline number for reporting suspected cases.
The organization has called on all villages, towns, and settlements in Phek District to strictly adhere to these directives. Village councils, ward authorities, and local organizations have been urged to verify all new arrivals and prevent unauthorized settlement.
“The Chakhesang Youth Front stands committed to safeguarding our community’s socio-cultural and demographic integrity. We call upon all citizens to cooperate with authorities and remain proactive in ensuring the security of our homeland,” the CYF stated.
Government’s pledge
Chief Minister Rio has issued firm directives to all enforcement agencies to act decisively and maintain a high state of alert. He also called for the identification and eviction of illegal immigrants residing elsewhere in Nagaland.
Rio made a sincere appeal to all sections of society, particularly community leaders and local citizens, to extend full cooperation to enforcement authorities and maintain vigilance. He underscored that collective responsibility and coordinated action between the public and government agencies are essential to protecting the interests and security of Nagaland.