Dimapur, July 27 (MExN): With the announcement of publication of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), a rush to procure one or another legal document to prove their citizenship was noticed even in Nagaland, Chakhroma GBs’ Union (CGBU) alleged today.
“People claiming to be from Assam or other states were seen applying for various documents such as Birth Certificates, Driving license, Residential Certificates etc, and many had already easily procured it. It is a sad reality that many people in other states, particularly Assam, are now using documents procured from Nagaland to claim citizenship,” claimed a press statement from CGBU General Secretary, Atso Gwizan and President, Thepfukedo Kuotso.
Stating that “influx of illegal immigrants in huge number into our state is expected if we do not remain vigilant,” the union said that the issue has to be seriously taken up not by the Government alone but also the village councils, various organisations as well as every individual collectively.
“This is a very alarming issue and raises serious concerns as Nagaland has become a place where even illegal immigrants can get any documents on payment without any proper verification,” it added.
The CGBU “with great concern for our people and our land” urged everyone, including the administrations, village councils, unions and organizations, to not only stay alert but also take prompt necessary action to tackle and address the issue.
It suggested that the government should not issue any license or permits to the “non-locals” without verifying the antecedents of the applicant. “It has been noticed that the non-locals are able to easily procure Driving License especially from the newly created districts which are later used as a valid document to freely move around and claim citizenship,” the statement alleged.
“Similarly Birth Certificates and other Certificates/ Permits are found to be issued without proper verifications in many places, and surprisingly it is issued on payment of extra amount, even when there is no proof of citizenship.” The union asserted that thorough checking should be done at all entry points and any person found without valid documents should be immediately deported.
The towns/municipal councils should properly verify the citizenship and places of origin and the backgrounds before issuing trade license or any other licenses to any “non-local” within their jurisdiction, it further suggested. It affirmed that work permits should be granted only to the genuine citizens of India.
Meanwhile, CGBU demanded that the Naga Political Groups should not give protection or empowerment to any unknown “non-local” to do/ indulge in any activities on their behalf. “Of late it has been observed that certain non-Naga antisocial elements has been indulging in various crimes in the name of one or the other group with all audacity and creating unnecessary hardships to our own people,” it claimed.
Further, the village councils were suggested to keep a strict check on the presence and activities of “non-locals” within their jurisdiction. The councils should keep regular verification on the population of “non-locals” within the village jurisdiction and any person without proof of citizenship should not be allowed to reside within the village and the Councils should assist the administration in every possible way to check influx of “illegal immigrants” within their territory, it stated.
The GBs’ union added that Residential Certificates or any other certificates by the village should not be given to anybody who is not in possession of proof of citizenship. “Moreover, non locals should not be allowed to enroll their names in the Electoral Roll without proof of citizenship.”
The individual Nagas, it stated, should also not give shelter or tenancy to any non-Naga without verifying their antecedents. “Adoption of non-Nagas should be discouraged and avoided by any means in our society,” CGBU further said, while also suggesting employing “non locals” for any work only after proper verification.
“The various unions, association and organisations should give all support and assistance in this regard and they can even initiate their action plans to tackle the menace of illegal immigrants in our land,” the statement read.
Further, CGBU affirmed to do its own part within its jurisdiction and extend support to the government in this regard whenever called upon to do so.
