The Naga Rising (TNR) has shared concerns that the crisis in Manipur will have repercussions in the neighbouring states, particularly Mizoram and Nagaland, as the people fleeing the clashes look for “safe haven for their livelihood and survival.”

In a press release issued on Friday, TNR advised the Nagaland Government “to draw up a sound and calibrated security policy to prevent any unintended consequences” as it opens its door for humanitarian relief and assistance.

“Competing claims over land and resources are often at the heart of ethnic conflicts around the world,” it stated.

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TNR acknowledged and appreciated the State government for the swift evacuation of stranded Nagas from the strife-stricken Manipur and also for extending assistance for the displaced people, however, it also expressed dissatisfaction at the handling of the issue by the same. “From all accounts, it appears that the state government has no guidelines or Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in dealing with movement of displaced people”, it said.

It mentioned that the basic measures such as registration of the displaced people entering Nagaland was not in place as reported by local media. In the absence of registration of displaced people, it would not only create difficulty in gauging the nature and magnitude of the humanitarian assistance required but also make it impossible to assess the situation, which could have serious implications for the future, it added.

Further, The Naga Rising posed two questions of weight to the state government:

1. Are there guidelines/SOPs in dealing with displaced people entering Nagaland from outside the state?

2. What is the number of displaced people of Manipur taking refuge in Nagaland and where are they currently sheltered?

TRN maintained that the volatile situation in Manipur and in Myanmar could present serious security challenges for Nagaland and urged the government to initiate “an urgent internal security assessment and put in place a coordinated policy and approach in tackling the after effects of the Manipur crisis.”