DIMAPUR, JULY 21 (MExN): The Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU) has expressed concern over the ongoing eviction drive initiated by the Government of Assam, targeting alleged illegal immigrants in various areas.
WSSU President Ikato Khulu and General Secretary Vitoka N. Rochill issued a statement today drawing the attention of the Government of Nagaland to this matter, which it said is “reportedly now encroaching upon areas inhabited by Nagas along the inter-state border — areas that are an integral part of Nagaland’s jurisdiction.”
“It is alarming that such activities are beginning to infringe upon Nagaland’s territory, posing a direct threat to the rightful ownership of our land and the safety and security of its residents. These border communities have lived peacefully for generations and have acted as de facto custodians of our state’s boundary,” it stated.
The WSSU pointed out that the “alleged illegal immigrants residing nearby Naga-inhabited areas along the Assam-Nagaland border are in close proximity to villages within Nagaland itself;” and this situation further heightens the risks of conflict, displacement, and demographic pressure on our vulnerable border communities.
The WSSU demanded that the Government of Nagaland immediately deploy security forces to deter unauthorized actions by external authorities. Further, it asked that permanent outposts be established in these vulnerable areas to enable swift and effective protection of our people.
It further asked that the government address the potential influx of illegal immigrants. “The large-scale evictions, push-backs, and expedited deportations currently underway in Assam will likely trigger displacement-driven movement into Nagaland, raising serious concerns about the potential influx of illegal immigrants into the state,” it added.
The WSSU termed it highly concerning that while Assam has consistently maintained multiple security outposts along the inter-state boundary, the Government of Nagaland has shown persistent negligence in this regard. “This lack of presence and preparedness has led to repeated incidents where security forces from Assam have harassed and intimidated Naga civilians, while the Nagaland administration’s response has often been slow, inadequate, or absent,” it said.
The WSSU cautioned that time has come for the Government of Nagaland to act decisively. “Should the state government continue its inaction, it will bear full responsibility for any future consequences arising from this escalating issue,” it stated.
