The Assam government’s intensified eviction drive targeting alleged undocumented immigrants has triggered a wave of concern across the northeastern states of Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Manipur. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has stated that his government is determined to remove “illegal settlers and suspected Bangladeshis” from encroached lands, citing large-scale encroachment in districts like Goalpara and Darrang. The drive, which began in September 2021, has already led to the eviction of thousands from forest and agricultural lands. The looming eviction in Uriamghat, Golaghat district, which borders Nagaland, has caused hundreds to flee in fear, with many alleged undocumented immigrants accused of cultivating betel on encroached forest land. The Assam administration’s push has raised concerns in the region about a potential influx of displaced individuals seeking refuge in neighboring states.
Nagaland Heightens Vigil to Prevent Influx
Nagaland has taken proactive steps in response to the situation, directing all deputy commissioners to increase vigilance along the borders with Assam to prevent the entry of displaced individuals into the state. Dimapur Police Commissioner Kevithuto Sophie noted that intensive monitoring is underway, with mobile vehicle check posts set up at vulnerable points along the porous border shared with Assam. Nagaland shares borders with Assam in districts like Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Peren, Wokha, Mokokchung, Mon, and Longleng, making it a likely destination for displaced individuals. Over 200 vehicles carrying alleged undocumented immigrants attempting to enter Nagaland from Assam have already been intercepted and sent back, showcasing the state’s commitment to maintaining demographic stability and law and order amid rising concerns.
Meghalaya and Manipur Issue Similar Alerts
Meghalaya has echoed Nagaland’s concerns, with Additional Chief Secretary Shakeel P Ahamed instructing district officials to remain vigilant and take immediate measures to prevent any potential influx from Assam. Highlighting the “ongoing push back of foreigners” in Assam, Ahamed emphasized the need for robust checks to ensure that law and order is not disrupted due to the sudden arrival of displaced individuals. Meanwhile, Manipur, despite not sharing a direct border with Assam, has also issued an advisory citing concerns about a potential influx, particularly given its international border with conflict-hit Myanmar. The Manipur government has directed deputy commissioners and police superintendents to maintain heightened vigilance along international, inter-state, and inter-district borders to prevent illegal crossings while preparing mechanisms to monitor any movement across state boundaries.
Balancing Security and Humanitarian Response
While the northeastern states have expressed concerns about maintaining law and order and safeguarding demographic stability, they have also emphasized the need to handle the situation humanely. Advisories issued by Manipur and Nagaland have instructed officials to ensure that if undocumented migrants are detected, they should be placed in secure and designated shelters, provided with humanitarian assistance, and kept separate from local populations to prevent illegal naturalization. Authorities have been directed to mandatorily collect biographic and biometric data for proper identification and tracking, ensuring that legal protocols are followed. The advisories clarify that while humanitarian assistance will be extended, individuals found to have crossed borders illegally will be deported following due procedures. This cautious yet firm approach highlights the delicate balance northeastern states seek to maintain—protecting local populations and ensuring security while upholding humanitarian standards amid a challenging regional situation driven by Assam’s aggressive eviction drive.
