Northeast States Heighten Vigilance After Assam’s Eviction Drives

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Following recent large-scale eviction drives in Assam, three neighboring Northeastern states, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, have issued urgent advisories to bolster checks against the potential influx of illegal migrants. This proactive measure aims to prevent those displaced from Assam’s government lands from attempting to resettle across state borders, underscoring regional concerns about demographic shifts and resource pressures.

Assam has been conducting extensive eviction operations, particularly in districts like Dhubri, Goalpara, and Uriamghat (bordering Nagaland), to reclaim government and forest lands allegedly encroached upon by illegal settlers. These drives, which have affected thousands, are part of the state’s broader effort to manage land resources and address long-standing issues of unauthorized habitation.

The advisories from Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland direct all relevant district and police authorities to maintain heightened vigilance. Officers are instructed to immediately report any suspicious movement of individuals and to meticulously collect biometric and biographic data of any suspected illegal migrants. This data collection is intended to aid in proper identification and, if necessary, facilitate deportation procedures.

Nagaland, through its Western Sümi Students’ Union (WSSU), has expressed particular concern, warning that the eviction of families in Assam, especially from areas close to the Assam-Nagaland border, could trigger displacement-driven movement into Nagaland’s territory. The WSSU highlighted that “alleged illegal immigrants residing in Naga-inhabited areas along the Assam-Nagaland border are close to villages within Nagaland. This situation further heightens the risks of conflict, displacement, and demographic pressure on our vulnerable border communities.” Similarly, the Konyak Students’ Union in Nagaland has directed its units to deploy volunteers at entry points to Mon district to check for valid Inner Line Permits (ILP) and other documentation.

Manipur’s Home Department has also issued a directive to its Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to remain alert and implement necessary steps to prevent illegal influx. The state governments emphasize the need for robust surveillance systems across international, inter-state, and inter-district boundaries to manage these movements effectively.

These coordinated efforts by the Northeastern states reflect a shared regional imperative to safeguard local communities and resources against unauthorized settlements. The vigilance will likely continue as Assam presses forward with its land reclamation drives, influencing the demographic and security landscape of the entire Northeastern region.