Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 15
In an effort to check and eradicate the influx of illegal migrants as also to verify the number of non-locals residing in and around the state capital, the Angami Students’ Union (ASU) today launched its yearly ‘non-local verification drive’. As part of this exercise, ASU is verifying the genuineness of the Inner Line Permits issued to non-locals and to report to the government for further course of action.
Talking to the media today, ASU officials said the verification drive is mainly aimed at checking the influx of illegal Bangladeshi migrants as they are posing a major threat to the very identity and economic stability of the Nagas. ASU officials explained that the commercial prospects of Naga businessmen and entrepreneurs have diminished due to the presence of these foreign migrants who are slowly taking over every prospective trade. They also expressed concern that this population has been largely responsible for introduction of undesirable and criminal elements such as rape, thefts and other anti-social activities.
ASU President, Voto Neikha squarely blamed the Nagas for encouraging the influx of Bangladeshis in the state, pointing out that their tendency to depend on foreign migrants as domestic help and as a labour force is encouraging more and more “Mians” to seek jobs ranging from manual labour to trade and commerce. “This population of desperate and homeless foreigners”, he said, was mainly responsible for introduction of criminal and anti-social activities within Naga society. He further went on to stress the need for a collective effort to weed out a population that is endangering the very future and culture of the ‘proud race of the Nagas’.
ASU’s current drive will continue till July 15, during which all non-locals are to get their ILP verified and issued identity cards. The verification process is being held from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at ASU office located below All India Radio Station. Meanwhile, the union has informed all non-locals to bring their ILP cards along with two stamp size passports each for verification. It further sought the support of the general public in “this intensive drive to deliver a tangible and substantial result and outcome to the people.”
