KOHIMA, JULY 25 (MExN): Amid heightened concerns over the ongoing eviction drive against illegal immigrants in Assam, the Southern Angami Public Organization (SAPO) and the Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) have issued advisories urging residents to maintain vigilance and refrain from offering shelter to unauthorized individuals who may attempt to enter Nagaland.
SAPO, in a statement, stated that “the unprecedented influx of immigrants has triggered a high-level alert across Assam and Nagaland, necessitating extreme caution.”
Referring to the measures being undertaken in Assam, including “identification, chasing, and deportation” of illegal immigrants, SAPO noted that the Nagaland State Government has “prudently issued a cautionary note and advised heightened vigilance.”
“We implore all SAPO citizens to exercise extreme vigilance, particularly those involved in construction activities or weekly markets in village areas or around Kohima, as they are likely to be solicited for shelter during this crisis, mirroring the situation in Assam,” the organization stated.
Further, SAPO called upon citizens owning farms and paddy fields in Medziphema, Chümoukedima, and Dimapur to “advise their workers and caretakers not to shelter any illegal immigrants.”
“Let's ensure that our workers are aware of the potential risks and consequences of harboring unauthorized individuals,” the statement added. SAPO called for collective responsibility “to fortify our safety and security, strictly adhering to state government directives and civil society appeals.”
Separately, the Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) also issued a press statement expressing “deep concern over the recent eviction drive of illegal immigrants in Assam, which may result in a spillover into neighbouring states, including Nagaland.”
Citing a recent incident in Niuland, where “over 300 individuals suspected to be illegal immigrants were intercepted and turned away by local authorities and volunteers,” KVYO highlighted the urgency of the matter and the need for community vigilance.
“It is apprehended that similar attempts may be made to infiltrate and settle within Kohima and its surrounding areas,” KVYO stated. It called on all citizens, “especially residents under Kohima Village jurisdiction, to remain alert and vigilant.”
KVYO warned that “any individual or group found sheltering illegal immigrants within the Kohima Village area” would face “strict social sanctions with traditional customary practices.”
The youth organization urged residents to report “any suspicious movement or gathering of unknown individuals to the District Administration or the KVYO officials without delay.”
“Cooperation from the public is essential to safeguard the integrity, security and demographic balance of our community,” it said, appealing for unity and responsibility to ensure Kohima remains “safe, secure and free from unlawful infiltration.”
