The Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), in continuation of their fight against the infiltration of illegal immigrants in Mokokchung district, conducted a surprise check under the ‘Survival Mokokchung’ campaign (2007) on 24th July 2024 in Mokokchung.
AKM officials, along with volunteers from Ao Student Units from four neighbouring villages (Ungma, Mokokchung, Khensa, Chungtia), carried out a thorough inspection on ILP, “Census,” and “Verification” of non-local residents in Mokokchung. During this inspection, the AKM detected seven defaulters without proper documents. These defaulters were later handed over to the district administration and police for further course of action.
Speaking to the reporters, Lanutoshi Aier, President of AKM, cited some problems the AKM is facing with regard to this initiative. He stated that during the ILP renewal and registration, the Survival Students census card is also renewed. However, while processing the renewal, it has been noted that many times the administration allows individuals without proper documents to receive ILP, which is issued despite facing such current problems. He requested the administration to issue ILP only to those with proper documents.
He addressed that another important issue is that local citizens, when bringing in laborers, workers, etc., should ensure the ILP is made before entering the state or district. Local citizens should be clearly aware of this and the procedures they should follow. He also urged citizens to inform the concerned administration or police if they can track down any illegal immigrants.
Aier said “the checking of these illegal immigrants is conducted by the Administration and the Naga Students Federation (NSF) and all its federating units. Even though they are checking, without the participation of the community, it cannot be a success, whether in the town or ward.” He urged citizens to be vigilant and advised legal immigrants to obtain valid ILP before entering the state.
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Regarding ILP or the Students Census Card data collection by the NSF in different districts, he emphasized that they are not against any community nor targeting anyone, but they should respect and follow the Act passed by the Government. Anyone coming or entering any ILP-required district, state, or country should obtain their ILP pass, available at the check post while entering as well as through an online portal.
Aier said that one of the biggest hurdles the AKM is facing in Mokokchung district is that workers, labourers, or immigrants are mostly brought in by influential persons. He urged these influential persons, as law-abiding citizens, to take responsibility for following proper procedures, including where to register and complete all necessary steps. If these steps are done correctly, no issues will arise. For those coming with a temporary permit, if it expires, they should contact the concerned administration and authority for further development. By following these procedures, it will be easier to check on illegal immigrants, he added.
Aier said that an important finding is that ILP renewals are being made through brokers rather than getting it done from the concerned authority, with each renewal reportedly costing 500 rupees, turning the process into a business The AKM is currently tracking down those brokers involved. Additionally, Aier highlighted the issue of the administration issuing ILPs to individuals without valid documents. He urged the administration to prioritize addressing this problem, as the involvement of brokers and middlemen is tarnishing Nagaland’s image.
He also stated that around 100 ILP holders had expired permits and informed all concerned guarantors to maintain their validity. If not, they will face action from the administration and legal charges. Those without valid ILP passes are likely to be deported. He mentioned that many illegal immigrants were deported last year.
The president informed that once illegal immigrants are caught, they are handed over to the police, who handle deportation; AKM does not carry out deportations. He clarified that the news about the brokers is valid, with not just one but three brokers involved, and there is a high possibility of local persons’ involvement. They have summoned these brokers for interrogation, and after obtaining findings, they will inform the ILP branch under the district administration and investigate how these brokers are able to operate. Anyone caught illegally conducting such business will face action.
Onenpong Vice President AKM stated that the AKM has conducted a thorough surprise check on ILP defaulters and caught seven individuals without proper documents. These persons have been handed over to the concerned authorities for further action. Moreover, the AKM will also be conducting intensive checks throughout the district in the coming days. Therefore, we urge all concerned citizens of the Nagas to take this issue seriously to uphold, safeguard, and protect the integrity of the Nagas for future generations. We also urge the administration, concerned departments, and the government to implement the ILP process more efficiently and thoroughly throughout the state.
The AKM officials said that the infiltration of illegal immigrants into the state is one of the greatest issues and that AKM will take the matter seriously, urging citizens to cooperate and stay vigilant.
The ‘Survival Mokokchung’ campaign was initiated in 2007 by AKM to monitor illegal immigrants in the Mokokchung district. In 2007, there were many illegal immigrants who controlled the business community and many business establishments. The ‘Survival Mokokchung’ 2007 campaign involves data collection on immigrants and illegal immigrants residing in the district through a survey conducted every six months.
