DIMAPUR, AUGUST 8 (MExN): The Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) convened a meeting with civil society organizations on the issue of possible influx of illegal immigrants as a consequence of the NRC exercise in Assam.
The meeting was attended by representatives of CNTC, NGBF, Tribal Union Chumukedima Town, Kuki Impi, NCD, Ao Senden, Sumi Hoho, Chakhesang Public Organisation/Western Chakhesang Hoho, ZPO-N, Lotha Hoho Wokha/LH Dimapur, Rengma Hoho/RPOD, Kachari Tribal Council, Western Sumi Hoho, Sangtam People’s Forum Dimapur District, CAKU/SSU, Tenyimi Union Dimapur, ASTD, BAN, DUCCF, Lotha Youth Organisation Dimapur, Ao students’ Union Dimapur, Dimapur Lotha Students’ Union, Dimapur District GB Association, WSSU, SN, and ACAUT.
According to a press release issued by NTC, the meeting urged the villages and urban colonies in Dimapur district in particular and all those vulnerable areas to maintain strict vigil. The village authorities have also been urged not to issue Resident Certificate/Permanent Resident Certificate to anyone randomly without ascertaining the antecedents of the applicant.
The meeting urged upon the respective apex tribal bodies, village councils and GBs to closely monitor, supervise, and effectively check illegal inhabitants and illegal entries into the villages and colonies.
The State Government was also asked to gear up the state machineries and bring out a comprehensive action plan to check illegal immigrants without wasting any more time.
It also suggested the State Government to extend Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873 (BEFR) coverage to the entire administrative jurisdiction of the state and to bring out a comprehensive mechanism to regulate and monitor BEFR Act and Passport Act in letter and in spirit with competent standard operational procedure in place for effective checking and deportation and extradition.
The meeting further urged upon the State Government to create separate cell under Home department to monitor strict enforcement of BEFR Act 1873, Foreigners Act and Indian Passport Act on day to day basis. For the purpose of effective enforcement of the existing laws to the desired level, the government agencies including Nagaland Police have to be reoriented and equipped with legal aspects, the press release stated.
The meeting also resolved to constitute a Joint Committee on Prevention of Illegal Immigration comprising of 1 member each from all the attending CSOs under the supervision of NTC to evolve logistic coordination and to assist the State Government to formulate standard operation procedure for effective implementation of BERF Act, 1873/ILP in Nagaland.
