Neikolie Kuotsu
With the buzz around the Look East Policy, what are the pros and cons of opening the floodgates of illegal immigrants from across the border? Are we too provincial in our mindset towards giving access to ‘outsiders’ into Nagaland? What is the position of the other sister states in allowing ‘outsiders’ vis-à-vis illegal immigrants in our already penetrated society? The ‘outsider’ is generally perceived as anyone from outside Nagaland. However the ‘outsider’ in proper context excludes those having valid Indian citizenship with legitimate democratic rights to travel, purchase and own fixed and movable assets, practice any legal profession and be assimilated into their adopted home or state. The second category belongs to those who have ambiguous citizenship and loyalty to the country and might have transmigrated at some point of time. They are all-pervasive and easily blend in the society. We fail to recognize the real ‘outsider’ who could be a father, a mother, a son, a tradesman, an unemployed person and or one who is ideologically influenced and inspired by anti-social elements from within and without the country. This category portends a perceived threat like a minefield in our backyards. We should not fail to overlook the political, social and economic implications of these elements in our society.
Now let’s analyse the situation from a political perspective. Many of these so called illegal immigrants have reportedly been given benefits such as electoral voter ID cards, because of their sheer number. They can now use their new found legitimate citizen status to settle down in the state free from all encumbrances and eviction threats. They can also apply for benefits to set up business enterprises and apply for various licenses thereby inviting and hosting their ilk.
This vicious cycle of convenience can get compounded in geometric progressions. It is undoubtedly a nexus between the settlers and local politicians and leaders.
Being a source of cheap labour they can be hired and fired at will. Thus we tend to overlook the menace caused by illegal immigrants. Our development oriented Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has rightly pointed to the Prime Minister at the Chief Ministers Conference on Internal Security in New Delhi about this intrusion. Unfortunately it all depends on the UPA leadership to pick it up from there. However, on the home front we can do our bit to some extent which is mentioned at the end of the article.
Coming to the economic impact by the presence of non-locals in our markets, a major chunk of business establishments are owned and monopolized by non-locals which is not the best system in existence. However it also benefits us once again because it is observed that a better bargain is achieved with non-local traders.
At times it is also observed that local customers haggle forcefully. Understanding the customer behaviour of locals very well, businessmen and others offering services have perfected the art of quoting the price of their wares exorbitantly.
Unfortunately, gullible folks from villages are the worst hit due to their lack of the market logistics or bargaining power. The real impact of this trade process to our economy is monopolization and lack of investment towards development and infrastructure. In Mizoram, business establishments are owned and controlled almost entirely by locals. Hence there exists monopoly of a different kind with little competition. In Nagaland, however there is a glimmer of hope and duopoly of some kind with a bunch of the young generation venturing into business. This will go a long way in honing our entrepreneurial skills and understanding the market logistics. We should tap the presence of non-locals in our markets as a potential because competition is a healthy sign and leads to a win-win situation.
Does the presence of non-locals pose a real threat to our socio-economic life? Yes and no. How long will we confine ourselves? In a post-postmodern world we cannot let this go on. Whether, we should allow the free flow of ‘outsiders’ or not, is a debate with a flip side to the coin. If on one hand, we give access to one and all, there are arguments that the Nagas will become a minority in their own homeland. One case in point is the tribals of Tripura, the original inhabitants becoming a minority in their own home state due to the influx of migrants and the more potent Bengali culture. But one does not have to be paranoid about Nagaland going the Tripura way simply because the Constitution of India under Article 371(a) provides special safeguards for the Nagas in many ways. The
Act of Parliament guarantees special safeguards in respect of Religious, Social, Civil and Criminal Administration, Land and Resources. This means that no outside force will influence these matters unless the Legislative Assembly of Nagaland so decides by a resolution. Local landlords could do well by selling land only to locals as practiced in Meghalaya.
The tradition and culture of the Nagas are well established not to be consumed culturally or linguistically. The advent of Christianity has not uprooted us from our roots so much so that we are not Naga enough anymore. The Nagas are a proud entity strongly convinced about their identities regardless of their homogeneity or heterogeneity. So where is the fear from ‘outside’ elements about usurping our right to existence?
Hindi as a subject in the school curriculum has not in anyway made us less Naga. Learning Hindi is not about being ‘Hinduised’ just as English has not or does not make us Americans or British. It is rather a tool at our disposal to articulate ourselves better and be in sync with other civilizations. It is not about professing one’s patriotism or allegiance to any particular polity but that it is essential to be able to feel with others regardless of race, caste, tribe, language or religion. One way to go about is to be opportunists and learn and imbibe whatever positive qualities and skills we can from others. This will only benefit the Nagas in the long run.
It is alleged that locals have intermarried with illegal immigrants from across the border. This can possibly work against us because in the process, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh also known as mias will assimilate in our society and become legitimate shareholders or even beneficiaries in government posts, education and administration. Such practices should be vehemently discouraged.
All said and done, to pave way for progress and tangible development were the “Look East Policy” to materialise, certain bottlenecks like Restricted Area Permit and Inner Line Permit should be reviewed allowing for checks and balances. The state government can legislate certain provisions by giving greater access to those in the field of education, health and trade of the organized variety. As for the risk of unchecked infiltrations, more and more timely and unbiased checks and enquiries will discourage such activities. Deportation of illegal migrants is not feasible unless the Central Government intervenes and takes up the issue seriously. This is not in the particular interest of the North East states but concerns India’s internal security also. The political leaders and local administrators have to steadfastly work towards solutions and rectify their myopic visions. We may benefit a thing or two today out of illegal immigrants, but sooner or later our instant gratification and lackadaisical attitude towards this growing menace will make us pay the price and a heavy one at that.
It must be noted that our internal security and future far outweighs the immediate benefits derived from illegal immigrants.
(The writer is an Independent Researcher and Filmmaker)
