The government of Nagaland has issued an advisory to all deputy commissioners across the state to heighten vigilance and “take proactive measures” to prevent “potential influx of illegal immigrants” being evicted in neighbouring Assam.
Authorities in Nagaland are specifically concerned that individuals evicted in Assam — primarily during large-scale eviction operations targeting alleged illegal settlers and encroachers in districts like Uriamghat (Golaghat bordering Nagaland) — may attempt to cross into Nagaland seeking refuge or new settlement opportunities.
The advisory issued by Nagaland joint commissioner (HQ) on Monday states that proactive measures are “crucial for maintaining law and order and for safeguarding the demographic integrity of the state.
“Nagaland civil bodies, notably the Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU), have raised alarm that the eviction of families in Assam — especially during large-scale drives such as in Uriamghat — may trigger displacement-driven movement of evicted people into Nagaland.
The Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in Assam has been carrying out an eviction drive since June, clearing government lands of some 50,000 people, mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims with roots in present-day Bangladesh.
-Various sources