The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has strongly opposed a proposal seeking the introduction of a new passenger train service connecting Moirabari in Assam to Dimapur in Nagaland, citing serious concerns over illegal immigration, demographic security and the protection of indigenous rights.

In a statement issued by NSF President, Mteisuding and General Secretary, Kenilo Kent, the Federation expressed “outright opposition” to the proposal, which was reportedly put forward through a representation submitted to the Divisional Railway Manager of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), Lumding Division, on June 1, 2026, by Dr Asif Md Nazar, MLA of Laharighat Legislative Assembly Constituency in Assam.

Questioning the rationale behind the proposal, the Federation noted that operational railway services already exist between Assam and Dimapur. It said the demand raises serious questions regarding the intent and beneficiaries of the proposed service.

“The Federation finds it imperative to question the intent, rationale and what vested agenda lies behind the proposal,” it stated, adding that the demand has generated grave concerns over on the actual intentions behind the demand and for whose interests such a service is intended to serve.

The NSF maintained that Nagaland is currently facing one of the most pressing demographic and security challenges in its history, pointing to what it described as the “unabated influx” of undocumented illegal immigrants into the Northeast region. It asserted that such developments pose a significant threat to the socio-economic, cultural and political future of indigenous communities across all regions.

Referring to concerns repeatedly raised by the Nagaland Government regarding illegal immigration, implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, identity verification and the protection of indigenous rights, the Federation said Dimapur, being the principal entry point into the state, risks the influx and unchecked movement of undocumented individuals into Nagaland.

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The Federation warned that enhancing additional direct transport corridors without addressing robust systems for regulation, verification and monitoring could have serious consequences for the state’s demographic balance and security.

“The unique identity, land ownership rights, customs and traditions of the indigenous populace can only be protected when demographic integrity is preserved,” the statement said.

The NSF called upon the Ministry of Railways, Northeast Frontier Railway, the Government of Nagaland and all concerned authorities to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the demographic, security and socio-economic implications before considering any such proposal.

The Federation further demanded complete transparency regarding the basis of this proposal, the studies conducted, the stakeholders consulted and the specific public interest as sought to address against the backdrop of growing concerns over illegal immigration and demographic insecurity.

The Federation rejected any such developmental initiatives that comes at the expense of the security, identity and future of indigenous peoples and said any such activities that compromise the demographic and socio-political interests of the Naga people would be met with firm democratic resistance.