Amid the ongoing eviction drive against illegal immigrants by the Government of Assam, tribal and student bodies across Nagaland have begun mobilizing to protect the demographic and socio-economic integrity of their communities. The United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) and a coalition of Western Sümi organizations have issued strong advisories and laid out precautionary measures to prevent the fallout of the eviction drive from impacting Nagaland’s border districts.
Sangtam body calls for urgent safeguards
Taking note of the Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) directive issued on July 23, the USSC expressed serious apprehension that displaced individuals from Assam could attempt to enter and settle in border areas such as Kiphire District and Longkhim Sub-Division. The student body urged residents to remain alert, stressing that the demographic equilibrium of the region could be at risk.
The USSC advised all non-local individuals already residing within Sangtam jurisdictions to refrain from facilitating the entry or relocation of additional non-local persons. It warned that such actions would be treated as violations and could lead to serious consequences.
The Conference also appealed to the District Administrations of Kiphire and Tuensang to suspend the issuance of permits, including Inner Line Permits (ILPs), to incoming non-locals. Where unavoidable, it stressed the need for meticulous verification and strict enforcement of the law. It called on law enforcement agencies to set up temporary checking points to monitor movement in and out of the region and to verify documentation thoroughly.
Contractors and development agencies working in the area were instructed not to engage new non-local labourers or workers from outside districts. The USSC emphasized that this directive would remain in effect until a formal update is issued. The organization warned that it would conduct surprise checks and take action against both locals and non-locals found violating these measures.
“These measures are undertaken in the larger interest of the indigenous inhabitants and to preserve local stability,” the USSC stated, appealing to citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with authorities.
Western Sümi groups strengthen community-led vigilance
In a parallel development, several Western Sümi Hoho have also resolved to take immediate action to safeguard against any illegal influx. Following an advisory issued by the Office of the Commissioner, Nagaland, a joint meeting was convened under the Western Sümi Hoho and attended by representatives of various frontal organizations including women, youth, student, village headmen, and sports bodies.
Expressing deep concern over the potential demographic and cultural impact of unauthorized settlement, the gathering resolved to strengthen village-level vigilance mechanisms. Each village will establish or reinforce committees to monitor suspicious movement and report directly to law enforcement and district authorities.
The Western Sümi groups committed to maintaining close coordination with police and administrative agencies to ensure strict enforcement of immigration and land regulations. They also called on the State Government to initiate regular verification and documentation exercises, assuring their cooperation to ensure due legal process is followed.
To further secure vulnerable border areas, the organizations pledged to deploy community volunteers and enhance surveillance. They appealed to all residents to be proactive and cooperative in maintaining regional peace and stability.
Reaffirming their shared responsibility, the Western Sümi organizations said, “We are committed to protecting the land, rights, and identity of our people,” and urged all citizens to contribute to the efforts in safeguarding their homeland.