The recent eviction drives in Assam have sparked concern across the inter-state border, especially in Nagaland. Fearing a possible spillover of illegal immigrants, the Nagaland government has issued precautionary advisories to its district administrations, especially in the border regions. The alert comes in response to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s intensified campaign to free government and forest land from encroachment.
Nagaland’s Home Commissioner Vikeyie Kenya has issued a circular directing deputy commissioners and superintendents of police in border districts to maintain strict vigil. The circular emphasizes monitoring entry points, gathering intelligence, and mobilizing local village councils to report suspicious movement across the porous inter-state border.
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Border areas on high alert
Officials in Nagaland say the eviction drive in Assam could result in displaced individuals attempting to cross into Nagaland, seeking temporary shelter or new settlements. While the advisory does not name any specific group, it urges officials to be cautious about “any possible influx from across the border.”
In Dimapur, which lies adjacent to Assam, the administration has started strengthening border check posts. Additional police personnel and intelligence staff have been deployed. Village leaders along the border in Wokha, Mokokchung, and Mon districts have also been briefed on early signs of infiltration.
“We are not targeting anyone, but being cautious is necessary,” said a senior official in Nagaland Home Department. “The Assam eviction illegal immigration situation is evolving quickly, and we don’t want to be caught off guard.”
Assam’s massive eviction operation
The Assam government has reclaimed nearly 1.19 lakh bighas of land from encroachers in recent months. The drive, which began in districts such as Darrang, Nagaon, and Hojai, is part of the state’s plan to recover 63 lakh acres of encroached land. The government maintains that these lands are critical for public welfare, including agricultural projects, forest conservation, and tribal land protection.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has repeatedly stated that no leniency will be shown to illegal settlers. The drive, although supported by many in Assam, has led to rising tensions in neighbouring states.
The concern in Nagaland is not new. Over the years, the state has raised alarm over unchecked migration along its western border. The Assam eviction illegal immigration debate has only intensified existing anxieties.
Village councils urged to stay vigilant
Nagaland’s advisory calls upon Gaon Buras (village heads) and tribal leaders to coordinate closely with the district administration. The government aims to involve local stakeholders as the first line of defense. These grassroots communities are being asked to report unknown people entering their villages or forested territories.
Village-level meetings are underway in Mokokchung and Wokha to make people aware of the situation. The administration is also planning to issue temporary border passes for inter-state travelers to ensure proper verification.
“We must guard against illegal immigration. Assam’s efforts to clear encroachments could inadvertently impact our own internal stability if not managed properly,” said a village leader from Tuli subdivision.
Previous incidents echo today’s fears
This is not the first time such a situation has raised concern. During earlier eviction waves in Assam, several displaced families were found seeking refuge in the Nagaland-Assam border zones. Tension had escalated during border skirmishes in the past, often triggered by land ownership disputes.
Experts warn that if not handled with coordination, the present circumstances may deepen inter-state mistrust. “Nagaland is right to be vigilant. Eviction, unless accompanied by rehabilitation, often leads to movement across porous borders,” said a Guwahati-based political analyst.
Call for Centre’s intervention
Several civil society groups in Nagaland have called upon the central government to mediate and ensure coordination between Assam and Nagaland. They argue that while Assam’s right to reclaim public land is valid, neighbouring states must be kept informed about large-scale operations that could impact them.
Nagaland is also urging the Ministry of Home Affairs to take a proactive role in preventing inter-state friction. “We need coordinated policies, not just isolated state actions,” said a senior Nagaland official. “Illegal immigration isn’t a single-state issue—it affects the whole region.”
Looking ahead
As Assam continues its eviction campaign, Nagaland’s preparations reflect the broader geopolitical sensitivity in the Northeast. With state borders often not clearly demarcated on the ground and communities living side by side, the fallout from one state’s internal decisions can ripple outward quickly.
While no major influx has been reported yet, officials in Nagaland remain on high alert. They believe that timely action now can prevent larger problems later. For now, the focus remains on surveillance, village engagement, and cross-border communication.
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