A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge, Home, Yanthungo Patton with various Civil Society Organisations at Rhododendron Hall, Police Complex, Chumoukedima on 9th September 2024.

Patton highlighted on a viral video which was circulated on 2nd September 2024 of passengers disembarking from a train in Platform No.2, Dimapur. He informed that upon receiving report, both the Police and the District Administration swung into action immediately. As an immediate follow up, three counters were set up at the Dimapur Railway Station covering all exit routes to check suspected illegal immigrants from among the travellers de-boarding at Dimapur.

In the span of three days, 3rd, 4th and 5th of September, more than 360 travellers were screened and their identity cards checked. These travellers were found to be largely proceeding towards hamlets/towns of Assam such as Khatkati, Lahorijan, Bokajan, and Manja/Delai. Some others were found to be settlers/visitors of Dimapur/Chümoukedima town areas or farming hands in Niuland, Shokhuvi, Dhansiripar/Doyapur Areas.

The Deputy Chief Minister informed that checking at the railway station has been on-going for the past three months. On arrival, passengers have to pass through detection counters set up at the three exit gates for identification. The checking is carried out by the District Administration, RPF and State Police at the inter-state check gates and peripheral entry routes, in addition to the Railway Station.

Apart from this, special/surprise checking drives have been conducted within the state, nine (9) CCTVs, monitor the area in and around the Platform 1 of the Railway Station. Of these, RPF (Railway Protection Force) operate 5 CCTVs and the GRPS (Government Railway Police Station) manned by Nagaland Police operates 4 CCTVs.

He also mentioned that effort has been made to maximise the coverage of passengers to eliminate any illegal immigrant influx. Enhanced monitoring has been initiated in the other 8 different inter-state check-gates in the State. The Police are on high alert and there is strengthened monitoring with random checking being carried out in inter-state check gates and other vulnerable locations. The Deputy Commissioners of the eight border districts in our state are in constant touch with their Assamese counterparts for exchange of information. ILP drives to identify defaulters have been intensified by the District Administration and the Police. Identity documents for ILP applicants from the residents of four districts of Assam are more stringent by inclusion of NRC as an additional requirement apart from Aadhaar.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that from January 2024 till date, over 200 defaulters have been identified and with over 50 arrested. Flash Mobile Vehicle Check Posts at more than 250 Check Points were carried out by the State Police till date for detection of criminal activities and influx of illegal immigrants. He appealed to all Civil Society Organisations to remain calm and cooperate with the Government agencies curb the spreading of rumours.

Y Patton assured that the District Administration, Police and other State and Central Agencies in the State are on high alert and will take all steps to prevent any influx of illegal immigrants. He urged all to extend full co-operation to the Government at this juncture.

Director General of Police, Nagaland, Rupin Sharma, IPS, in his brief speech, addressed many issues taking place in Nagaland. He called on everybody to responsible as it is their duty to safeguard the security and safety of the country. He also asked them to be careful when issuing ID documents within Nagaland. Many have obtained or procured indigenous certificates through illegal means, he added.

On ILP issue, the DGP informed that the State Government has set up a committee and the committee has set up its team and into consideration. The major practical problems facing in Nagaland is checking. The Nagaland Government has started an online ILP system but still working on more improvement, once this system comes in, there will be a centralised data bank, where the ILP documents can be verified.

Sharma suggested that there should be tenant registration with the landlord throughout the State, he said this registration will have multiple advantages to check on illegal immigrants whether they have permit or not and their purpose for which documents was issued to them. He requested the Civil Society Organisations and public to join hands with the government, as they are the vital instrument in the State and their opinion matters in implementing the system successfully.

Home Commissioner, Vyasan R, IAS, in his address said that the issue of illegal immigrants is a big concern for everyone and the District Administration is all gear up to meet the challenges. He informed that during a video conference, all Deputy Commissioners of the 16 districts of Nagaland were directed to be alert and conduct regular checks and monitor the presence of illegal immigrants and so far, nothing adverse have been reported. He also informed that online ILP has been issued and steps have been taken to improve the system. He appealed all the stakeholders to co-operate with the State government in dealing with the issue of illegal immigrants in a proper legal way.

Short speeches were also delivered by Nagaland Council, Dimapur; Chakhroma Public Organisation, Chümoukedima; Niuland District GB Association, Nagaland Students’ Federation, Dimapur Nagaland Students’ Union; Nagaland Women Hoho.

Participated in a crucial meeting in Chümoukedima today on potential illegal migration. Listened to the concerns and suggestions of the CSOs and shared details related to enhanced screenings, intensified checks at inter-state gates, and stronger cooperation with our neighbour,… pic.twitter.com/8DqinrgMUC

— Yanthungo Patton (@YanthungoPatton) September 9, 2024