A coalition of extremist groups in Christian-majority Nagaland has announced the formation of an Immigration Control Task Force to prevent “illegal immigrants” from entering the State.
The move by the Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC-NNPGs) comes in response to the Assam government’s eviction drive targeting encroachers — mostly Bengali-speaking Muslims, often perceived as Bangladeshis — from forested areas along the inter-State boundary.
At least six groups, rivals of the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland, form the NNPGs. The coalition signed the Agreed Position, a peace agreement with the Centre, in 2017.
Taking “serious note” of the “imminent threat posed to the demographic, socio-economic, and political future” of the Nagas, the WC-NNPGs, in a statement issued on Friday, said the task force has been envisaged to control and regulate issues relating to people of doubtful citizenship.
The committee said it would not allow the establishment of any madrasas in Naga-inhabited territories and would “disband” any currently in existence.
It claimed that while diverse communities in Naga areas respect and promote religious tolerance, “this liberal approach will not be allowed to be misused to promote” religious fundamentalism.
The WC-NNPGs called for intensive identification and registration of migrants to avoid unnecessary harassment of legally settled citizens. It also urged community leaders, including village authorities at the grass-roots level, to extend cooperation to the task force.
“The steps being taken must not be construed as anti-Muslim agenda or against any particular religious or social groups,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, a man suspected to be an undocumented migrant was allegedly pushed from the third floor of a building in Kohima, Nagaland’s capital, following a brawl. Officials said he is battling for survival in a local hospital.
Published – August 01, 2025 07:42 pm IST
