ASSAM'S EVICTION SPILLS INTO NAGALAND

Over 200 vehicles with suspected illegal immigrants turned away at Niuland

Morung Express News
Dimapur/Niuland | July 23 

Amid an intensifying eviction drive in Assam, Nagaland is witnessing a concerning uptick in attempted cross-border entries, raising red flags about unchecked movement and potential demographic disruptions across border districts.

Alarmed, the Nagaland Government have reportedly intensified vigil along the Assam border after more than 200 vehicles—believed to be carrying illegal immigrants evicted from Assam—were stopped and turned back from multiple check posts under Niuland districts. 

Videos shared by the Deputy Commissioner of Niuland on X (formerly Twitter) showed loaded pick-up trucks carrying furniture and household goods—indications of mass relocation—being stopped at check posts across the district. Security forces and volunteers manning the gates are seen questioning the occupants about their origin.

The action follows Assam's ongoing eviction drive targeting alleged encroachers on forest and government land. While Assam pushes forward with its land reclamation efforts, the fallout appears to be landing in Nagaland.

Dy CM orders extra security forces to border
Speaking to the media in Chümoukedima on the sidelines of a programme on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y. Patton said the situation was being taken seriously. He confirmed that he had spoken with the DGP and Commissioner of Police and had ordered immediate deployment of additional security forces, not only in Niuland but in all areas of Nagaland that share borders with Assam.

Nagaland Police said their priority is to stop the entry of migrants rather than arrest them. “We are not arresting anyone right now, but if people forcibly enter or ignore orders, we will take action,” said Dimapur Police Commissioner Kevithuto Sophie, according to report from a local digital news channel. He added that key locations such as bus stations and train stations will also be put under tight watch.

Reports from the ground informed that the district authorities in Niuland are working with dobashis, GBs, village councils, and youth volunteers to strengthen local surveillance. An earlier advisory issued by the Niuland DC on July 21 had already warned villages to remain vigilant. The order stated that any unusual migration or suspicious activity in respective areas must be immediately reported to the district administration.

A similar directive was issued by the Chümoukedima district administration, highlighting the “emerging concerns over the possible entry and movement of illegal immigrants into the State” following the eviction drives in Assam. Administrative and Executive Officers in border areas like Medziphema, Dhansiripar, and Seithekema have been instructed to take preemptive action and maintain high alert.

The Dimapur district administration also issued a directive urging all villages, wards, and colonies to remain vigilant against any possible influx of displaced individuals into the district.

The directive instructed all local authorities and residents in Dimapur district to maintain strict vigilance and report any unusual movement or suspected migration immediately to the District Administration and Police.

Similarly, the East Dimapur Town Council urged landlords, citizens, and local leaders to verify the identity and legal status of all tenants or labourers. “Any person found knowingly sheltering illegal immigrants will face legal consequences,” the council stated.

On July 21, the Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) had also raised concern over the ongoing eviction drive in Assam while urging the Nagaland government to address the potential influx of illegal immigrants. “The large-scale evictions, push-backs, and expedited deportations currently underway in Assam will likely trigger displacement-driven movement into Nagaland, raising serious concerns about the potential influx of illegal immigrants into the state,” it stated.

Even as over 200 vehicles carrying suspected illegal immigrants were recently turned back, it remains unclear how many individuals may have already entered Nagaland in the initial days of Assam’s eviction drive. 

With several porous and unmanned stretches along the inter-state border, authorities and public alike fear that many may have slipped through undetected, raising concerns over long-term demographic and security implications in the border districts.

Wokha Police on high alert to stop illegal entry

Morung Express News
Wokha | July 23

In light of recent developments concerning the influx of illegal immigrants in parts of Nagaland, the Wokha District Police, in close coordination with the district administration, have intensified security and monitoring efforts to prevent any unauthorised entry.

Addressing the issue, Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Wokha, Vitoshe K. Sumi, stated, “In Wokha, the interstate check gate at Bhandari, being the only government-authorised check post in the district, is being properly manned, strengthened, and closely monitored. Adequate manpower has been deployed, and regular checks are being carried out along the highways in collaboration with the administration.”

He further assured that no unusual entry or movement of illegal immigrants has been detected within the district so far. “We are taking all necessary preventive measures. As of now, there is no report of any suspicious activity or influx. The thanas (police stations) have been properly briefed, and additional deployments have been made wherever required,” he added.

ASP Sumi also highlighted ongoing inter-district coordination efforts. “We are maintaining close coordination with neighbouring districts. Frequent advisories and updates are being circulated by both the police and the district administration.