Morung Express News
Dimapur | October 5
The public rally organized by the Tribal Union Chumukedima Town (TUCT) on Thursday called upon the Naga public to wake up to the threat posed by influx of illegal immigrants into Nagaland. Hundreds of people attended the public rally held at the Saturday Weekly Market, Chumukedima, to voice their concerns on the issue, which poses not only serious demographic challenges but also affects peaceful co-existence among communities.
A host of speakers representing various tribal bodies, unions and NGOs, were unanimous in their call for tackling the issue of illegal immigration, and issued cautionary tales taking the examples of states like Assam and Tripura.
While criticizing the Nagaland State Government for its lackadaisical approach to the issue, the speakers said that responsibility should also be borne by the Naga people themselves. They said Naga generosity and hospitality, lack of work culture and distrust among Nagas have encouraged illegal immigrants.
Dr. Khekugha Murru, General Secretary, Business Association of Nagas (BAN) expressed concern that illegal immigrants have presently taken control of almost all aspects of business. With the help of local ‘dadas’ and Naga underground factions, he stated that illegal immigrants have established powerful business syndicates, which do not give space to local businessmen.
He also claimed that 60-70% of trade licenses in the hands of illegal immigrants bear Naga names. He said distrust and isms among Naga people have given the opportunity for illegal immigrants to thrive and urged for long-term strategies to tackle this menace.
NSF President, Christopher Ltu meanwhile expressed concern that even as 68,200 plus Naga youths are unemployed in the state, illegal immigrants are employed in every nook and corner. Calling for a review of the Bengal Frontier Regulation Act 1873, he insisted that Dimapur should also come under ILP.
CNTC President, Hokiye Yeptho, asked “What has gone wrong?” and wondered if the state government was sleeping. He demanded that henceforth all trade license, auto rickshaw permits and driving license should be cross-checked. ACAUT Advisor, Khekiye Sema, meanwhile stressed on the need to make it clear that this rally is not against the Muslim community but against illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.
Representatives from Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), Chakhroma Public Organization, Western Sumi Hoho, Western Chakhesang Hoho, Angami Youth Organization, Chakhroma Youth Organization and head GB of Chumukedima Town, also addressed the rally. Later, the rally adopted a ten-point resolution, which was read out by TUCT president, Lhousito Khro.
The resolution adopted at the rally urged against issuing fresh trade license or permits to illegal immigrants proven to be from Bangladesh; against renewing of any such licenses in the Chumu area; restricting them from any trade (which also includes transportation, sale and purchase of domestic animals, fishes, fowls and vegetables); against leasing/renting commercial and non commercial vehicles; against engaging in trade with such illegal immigrants; and restricting illegal immigrants from running any business by holding the name of indigenous locals or in partnership with the latter. The rally further resolved that the state government should effectively implement the ILP system throughout the entire state.
It meanwhile called upon the Muslim community in Nagaland and Chumukedima in particular to work out mechanism to trace out illegal immigrants and assist the concerned authority in evacuating them. It also resolved to ask the GBs and Chairmen of Village Councils not to issue permanent residence certificates or any other certificates to any suspected illegal immigrants.
Further the resolution stated that “whoever has fled the area since the September 21 incident shall not be allowed to come back at any cost.” It added that in the eventuality of any crime committed by illegal immigrants, their house/land owners shall be liable to bear responsibility.
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