Kohima, August 18 (MExN): The Joint Committee on Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI) representing Civil Society Organizations, Hohos, NGOs and pressure groups of Nagaland formed under the aegis of the Nagaland Tribes Council has sent a representation to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Nagaland to come up with a “comprehensive mechanism” for effective implementation of BEFR Act, 1873, Foreigners Act, 1946 and other relevant laws to curb illegal migration into Nagaland State.
Also released to the media, the representation urged the State Government to extend BEFR, 1873, coverage to the entire administrative jurisdiction of Nagaland State, “Specifically, Dimapur should be placed within the purview of BEFR, 1873/Inner Line Permit (ILP). As long as Dimapur District is kept as an ILP free zone, it will remain as the feeder district” for extra-legal flow of migrants to interior regions.
Presuming that people who do not find their names in the NRC in Assam might come to Nagaland to claim Indian citizenship, the JCPI felt dismayed at the “lackadaisical attitude” of the State Government when “comprehensive mechanisms and strategies” to check migration into Nagaland and to “protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous people of the State protect and safeguard the interest of the indigenous people of the State should have been ready and at hand.”
Thus, the JCPI urged the State Government to “create a separate cell – or a separate department altogether- under Home Department which should be competent enough to monitor strict enforcement of BEFR Act of 1873 and Foreigners Act of 1946 on day to day basis. For the purpose of effective enforcement of the existing laws to the desired level the government must boost the morale of law enforcement agencies through proper training and reorient these agencies with legal strategies.”
The Committee advised the government to strengthen the implementation of the ILP as prevailing now and issue operational guidelines immediately.
The JCPI gave an instance. “An ILP holder staying in an ILP Zone cannot renew his permit after the expiry of the permit without s/he moving out of the ILP Zone first. Again, the ILP should differentiate between tourist, transit passengers, and manual/skilled labourers. In any case, issuance/renewal of permit should be strict and time bound.
Under no circumstances should permit holders be allowed to take advantage of loopholes and set up businesses in the state. The state governments of Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal are empowered by the Act to issue guidelines on entry of non-indigenous persons into the state.” It gave examples on how the Government of Mizoram implements its ILP regime.
The JCPI also urged the State Government to “notify the Village Councils and Urban Wards/Colonies to assist the State machineries and enforce BEFR Act particularly in the border and vulnerable areas, and to maintain strict vigil and keep their respective jurisdiction on 24x7 alarms.”
It suggested that the State authority issue notifications instructing the village authorities and GBs/licensing authorities such as RTAs and Municipal/town committees not to issue Residential Certificates/Permanent Resident Certificate/driving license/trade license to anyone without establishing the antecedents of such applicants.
The Committee asked the State Government to tie up with neighbour States to “formulate cohesive and collective measures” to prevent illegal migration.
The JCPI also impressed upon the State Government to establish Foreigner Tribunals under the Foreigners (Tribunals) Orders, 1964 and Foreigners Act, 1946, Government of India.
The representation to the Chief Secretary was sent through K Ghokheto Chophy, Convener of JCPI, Tiatemsu Longchar, Secretary of JCPI and Joel Naga, Co-convener of JCPI.
DDGBA supports JCPI
Dimapur, August 18 (MExN): The Dimapur District GB Association (DDGBA) in a joint meeting with 8 administrative units and Lotha and Ao GBs Unions resolved today that they extend full support to the JCPI. Further, they stated that respective GBs of village or town are advised not to issue PRC/TRC without proper verification of documents produced. The 7 administrative units under the DDGBA were requested to mobilize and support to form a Chairmen’s Unions in their respective units in villages to assist for the smooth functioning of village or colony administration.
The Association also has requested the government administration not to entertain or honor any certificate certified by non- Naga GBs.
It also opposed Aadhaar being made mandatory for all official requirements. The Association reminded the Nagaland government that other States like Assam and Meghalaya are not implementing Aadhaar “but enjoying all the benefits of the central government.”
The DDGBA also supported the ‘one government, one tax’ system initiated by ACAUT Nagaland. This was stated in a press release by DDGBA President, Tokuho Sohoi Neho, and General Secretary, T Kenneth Tsopoe.
