Ever since the alleged gang-rape of a Naga woman on February 6, the youth community in Nagaland have been vigorously discussing the impact of immigration and illegal immigrants in the state. The following are a few of the youths’ voices detailing strategies and expressing urgency to the Naga society and Nagaland government to sit up and act. These comments are all garnered from one of the most active Naga youth groups on Facebook, The Naga Blog. The Naga Blog is a group of more than 10, 000 proactive youths, students and young Naga professionals.
Strategies, Society & Policy Initiatives
Yan Fo Kikon: NGOs should take the initiative to check the influx by keeping the Vote--hungry politicians out. The problem is like a time bomb ticking and we're all waiting for it to explode. A flush-out operation should involve every colony involving all youths and deport the illegal immigrants. Give the check gate charge to IRBs or some stringent authorities with good/strict track record rather than some drunkard-bribe hungry policeman. The NGOs/government should start making very strict rules to slap heavy tax on any Naga who employs a Miya. Other immigrants such as Nepalese, Bihari etc behave and respect the Nagas. Unlike the Miyas who are a real threat.
Kevin Naga: Instead of setting up check gates at Chumukedima, they should also set up at Nagaland gate. Nagaland police should set up an immigrant police department to tackle this issue. We also need to be careful, between illegal immigrant meya and the genuine settler Muslim people like Muslim council. How do we separate migrant Muslim from non-migrant genuine Muslim settlers? Example, like in Dimapur, some Muslim members settled down in Dimapur before Nagas.
Vikeduo Linyü: One of the best ways to fight Miyas right now is the Mati maliks (landowners). People who own lands and have colony in and around Dimapur can start asking all the Miyas to vacate their colony. If they don’t have a place to stay they will go back to hojia, Nagaon etc. Colony youths or Panchayat can past an order where no Miya labor will be allowed to be employed in construction sites in the colony, no Miya will be allowed to do business in the colony. In 20 years time we will have a Miya MLA from Dimapur. Time to act before it is too late.
K Wapong Longkumer: Illegal immigrants are actually the foot soldiers of the crime ring sometime with bosses in Nagaland or in nearby Assam. We also have to accept that their services are utilized by us Nagas for crimes in and around Dimapur. All ILPs has to be cancelled and reissued only after scrutinizing because by issuing one to a Bangladeshi or Burmese we have inadvertently made him/her a citizen of India. In fact with the ILP they got from Nagaland they will get hold of another document in another state and the cycle continues until they are "fully Indian". For example, with the forged ILP some have already applied for UID. The civil society need to involve if required and mobilize this checking exercise. Moreover along with the ILP there has to be some other form of work permit which needs to be re-issued from time to time. But first and foremost a bill has to be passed in the Legislative Assembly so that along with the modalities it also includes the penalty clause for those acting in contravention to the bill. For example, it can be decentralized to the tribal/village/ward councils but at the same time it goes with a rider that anyone found guilty of mal-practice will be severely dealt, fine plus jail and non-bailable.
Imli Lee: See, for those so with Mias on our land, chew on that. This (February 6 gang rape) is not the first time and won't be the last either. We repeat, it's not against Naga Vs Muslims. It is locals against illegal immigrants. The Mias are not Indians but Bangladeshis who are illegally occupying our land. It is only about time we put our words into actions.
Pipi Newmei: One initiative that can help but not the total solution is that Naga should work with no shame for whatever small job it maybe. I know this had been said by others but I wanted to remind it if its importance.
Chenithung Humtsoe: Serve a notice to their representative body (guessing they have one) to share a dossier of names and addresses of all immigrants living in the state. Those not on records be bundled off. And those on the list be cross-checked (and bundled off). Instead of turning hostile on a group of people, we can weed them out using a procedure, however slow it may be.
Nathaniel Ribao: Its time the entry point of the state should keep close tab of these illegal immigrants through close co-ordination between authorities and NGOs/tribal bodies. Taking the instance of Mizoram, at Vairengte, the gateway to Mizoram, where the police/excise/other state agencies in close co-ordination with YMA enforced strict verification of paper and background details can be a model.
Lanu Jamir: Ideally we should not be relying on these immigrants to be doing labor that we nowadays deem beneath our status. Unfortunately our gradual reliance on cheap (albeit at a price) labor and our reluctance to sully our hands doing manual labor has led to this huge influx of immigrants. So till we gradually understand and accept dignity of labor (however menial) how about work permits issued by a designated authority at all border check points for these immigrants, which need to be periodically renewed with the concerned authority, having details of their work, duration of stay and course of travel? It should also be the duty of every landowner/hotelier/ employer to verify these permits before proving them a job or lodging. So till the day we become self reliant as we once were, hope we're careful about who we allow boarding or employ.
Neiwe M Mero: We ourselves should also take a look inside us. Why should we depend that all the manual works should be done by those immigrants who do not even have a sense of gratitude? They came here in search of their daily bread and they are now trying to devour their keeper. If Mokokchung can do, then every damn district can.
Rolan Leopona: Every colony should have a youth group who should check illegal immigrants and should object when ever any one gives out rented house to them and in some way be a local vigilant group.
Kevitho Nightwing Kera: Proper identification of non-locals should be strictly monitored and checked and non- locals should maintain IDs whether they like it or not and if proper papers are not found they should be immediately deported. What amuses me is knowingly some Nagas shelters them i.e., these illegal migrants and even makes them their sons and daughters! I won't be wrong in saying these Mians in Nagaland who are doing well are funding Islamist terror groups around the world. We have our so called "Mians" and "Bengali" national workers (UGs) fighting for our Naga cause!!!!
Benjamin Gondaimei: No one dare chase the illegal immigrants as said they are the vote bank, income for the UGs. At last the immigrants will start asking for a quota in the government seat and claim it is their land (like in Assam). It is only the NGOs and the public who can act. We can also work out like that of Mizoram – give no rent or plot to live
Toshi Ao: The problem of illegal immigrants is a problem that should be tackled earlier than later. The one issue I have is ‘who are the illegal immigrants? Leaving aside the Biharis and the Marwaris, it leaves only the Mians. They have their establishments in Dimapur, the prominent one being Haji Park market. I have no love for the people who come into Nagaland and spread their unwanted influence all over the place and I want them gone as much as the next man. The Naga Hoho and other civil organizations should identify the clusters of illegal immigrants and start a deportation campaign. I would like to see the illegal immigrants leave with some "gentle persuasion". Then again there is The Muslim Union which has grown to become an influential organization in Dimapur if not the whole state. So politicians should be left out.
Awung Awungshi: We also need to tell all the NSCNs that people have paid them 'taxes' to safeguard the interest of all nagas, and not to kill amongst themselves. We also need to make our government accountable for illegal immigration that is taking place in Naga areas. Let us not end here by typing and commenting, but take out a protest rally to voice our concern. It time for action.
Tasongwi Newmei: They will bribe their way through the system by buying ration cards or anything that will allow them to claim their status as ‘Assamese.’ It seems it is not such a big thing for them as they have many of their own jatis there. In fact, sometimes even the more sincere policemen or those forces that check the entry of these illegal migrants… have failed because of the claim of being ‘Assamese’ and they do have papers such as driving license or ration cards which are easily bought! Some of these things can be taken up:
1. All the khels/colonies should have a system in place to verify tenants 2. Introduce work permit system which should be validated/renewed every six months or one year as we deem suitable and this will keep them on their toes because anyone without permit will be deported. 3. Tell your politicians to either choose you or the migrants, or get lost. 4. The NSF or the tribal students Unions like the one done by the Aos in Mokokchung needs to be seriously taken up ASAP!
Afen Kent: 1) In big towns, every colony should have A-Z census including home town, close friends and family members living in Nagaland of every existing Miyas/outsiders and likewise in small towns n villages by town committees and village councils.
2) Every new Miya should be tracked down and the one who brought him recorded. 3) if the one who brought him is found to be a Naga, he should be held responsible as a father to his son.
Kenei Sem Angami: I suggest the vote hungry politicians to stay out of the way, Nagaland Police should start doing their job and deport all the illegal immigrants. Enough is enough!
Along Changkija: DNSU leaders should act. Youth organizations active in Dimapur should raise their voices. And TNB will join forces with them. If youths in MKG could do it, then Dimapur can. Forget the support of hohos and mother or father associations, we youths have the right and power to take our own course of action if need be. Let’s not let it settle down in silence. I want them ousted out of our land, though the politicians need them for their votes or whatever other reasons be.
Panti Kamei: The district administration along with all the Dimapur-based civil societies should (meet) where a resolution is adopted that no colony or village allow illegal immigrants to stay within its jurisdiction and dateline to leave the colony or village be notified to all the illegal immigrants. The GBs or the councils of the colony and village be held accountable if fail to implement the above resolution in their respective colonies and villages.
The Muslim Council needs to perform much better than what they are doing currently. They should start checking the illegal activities of their illegal immigrant members and spread the awareness among their community not to harbor illegal immigrants. The activities of the Muslim Councils need a serious checking and monitoring. Nothing seems to be forthcoming from their end to curb such crimes committed by the people from their community.
Ito Sumi Shiayeh: Dear Naga couples, especially the (some) Sumis, with due respect please don’t adopt Mian/Miyas as your children. You can adopt a Naga instead. Also don’t marry Mian.
Dziitakhrie Pethanilie: Sadly even NSCN are having plain manus in their organization or let’s say army. What more can we expect from them now?
Abou Mere: All the illegal Bangladeshi immigrants should be ex-communicated/flushed out by the village council in their respective jurisdiction and the Naga Council in Dimapur. It is time that the state government and civil societies sensitize the general population the danger/treat to our future generation by keeping illegal immigrants in our house or locality. During 80s time to time the police grasp/arrest hundreds of those Miyas in Chumukedima weekly market and sent them back, the same should be resumed by the present state government.
Thenunu Lohe: We have to wage war against Miyas with manual works and sweat. We have to come down to their level to save our land. Because the problem is many Nagas are standing on the sinking sand of Miyas.
Imojen Jamir: No matter whatever rules are laid by the administration, ward council etc, it is doubtful if it will be effectively followed. Experience has taught us that Police are not reliable, especially at the gates. They maybe strict for some days but eventually will end up filling their pockets. Concerned NGOs should take primary responsibility; should learn from AKM. Some Sector/ward chairman/executives are also politically involved and may give shelter to the miyas for vote count. UGs have been 'taxing' us for so long without actually doing anything for the public. It is imperative that they also take initiative in flushing out the illegal immigrants. Needless to mention there are many miyas working for them though.
Hopeto Christian Chophi: My strategies: For all coming elections, make sure that none of the illegal migrants are allowed to vote. Stringent verification be carried out. Politicians be made aware of the consequences of using these illegal vote banks. Carry out a drive for manpower if the council so requires. Finish it by imposing heavy fines or deporting them.
Longri Kichu: People who cash on the vote bank of these illegal immigrants are definitely the cheapest people in Nagaland. My blood boils in anger to hear this. Mokokchung, I heard is way better, cleaner and a better place to live without some blood sucking parasites. Initial hurdles in the beginning but we can cope later. Let’s stick to the flushing out of ILLEGAL migrants as of now without generalizing other communities. There might be some of those parasites in the so called NSCN and the likes. It should be a public joint effort like the AKM did, calling in NSF, other student bodies et al.
Avisie Kehie: Miyas are the bosses in Dimapur. It’s not a Naga Vs Muslim issue. (It is) Nagas Vs illegal immigrants. My village (Kiruphema) has a no-Miya policy since 10-15 years back. All Naga villages and communities should also follow the same policy.
Madhumita Das: As a non-Naga by blood, maybe I shouldn't be posting on this issue, but the shocking incident you mention seems to be a universal scourge and hence I am compelled to speak. Does this issue have to be seen as a Naga Vs Muslim, or an insider vs. outsider case? True that in some societies, rape as an instrument of intimidation is more prevalent than others. Also that there is very often some power equation involved: Upper castes Versus Dalits, upper classes versus dispossessed etc. But rapes also happen to daughters and wives of construction workers by their fellow workers of rich women, by rich men, indeed (and mostly so), in families by our own uncles and cousins. Otherwise, there remains increasingly less difference between a Shiv Sena in Maharashtra and a Naga national consciousness.
Vivek Iyer: All of the bloggers have intelligently and clearly distinguished between illegal Bangladeshis and other Indian migrants so this is not a Naga Vs plain people like some want to point it out. The only way is to raise the bar of legal documentation which a Bangladeshis won’t be able to afford.
Vikeduo Linyü: The issue is not just one incident and it is not Naga Vs Muslims but Nagas against illegal immigrants which is a threat not only to Nagaland but entire India. Concern Universal, an international NGO, estimates that 50 Bangladeshis cross illegally into India every day. 30% of Assam population is now illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. In fact if you visit Hojai you might think you are in Pakistan. When there is a cricket match between India and Pakistan they celebrate if Pakistan wins. These Miyas (Bangaladeshi) are involved in so many rape cases and crimes in Nagaland now tell me, is it wrong for Nagas to safeguard their future, about their lands and culture? If you still think Its Naga Vs Muslim sorry you got it totally wrong.
Molona Wati Longchar: Solution – to step into Indian Soil (that includes Nagaland) these Miyas must have their documents in place – Visa, passport, work permit, etc. Whoever has proper documents can stay and work but like all visa and work permits, which get expired, they will then have to go through the proper system of reapplying again to live as an expat or employee in Nagaland. This system is already in place so we just need to really implement it properly.
Awung Awungshi: Corrupt bureaucrats always hamper administrative function. Legislatures does not work when there is no public pressure. People raise hue and cry only when certain incidents takes place. Make the issue of illegal immigration a movement. Take out protest marches and make state machineries aware of the gravity of situation. When we just wait for some lazy legislative authority nothing will happen.
