Kohima/Imphal: With Assam intensifying its eviction drive against alleged undocumented settlers, neighbouring states Nagaland and Manipur have issued high alerts amid concerns over possible spillover of displaced individuals into their territories.
Nagaland has directed all deputy commissioners to increase vigilance along its extensive 512-km interstate border with Assam.
Authorities have been instructed to closely monitor transit routes, install vehicle checkpoints at vulnerable locations, and ensure that any attempted influx is detected and managed promptly.
“All measures are being taken to safeguard the state’s demographic integrity and maintain public order,” an official in the Nagaland administration said.
The move comes days after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reaffirmed his government’s commitment to reclaiming encroached land.
Speaking during a visit to Darrang — the district where the eviction campaign began in 2021 — Sarma said Assam will continue to act against “illegal settlers and suspected Bangladeshis.”
Tensions are particularly high near Uriamghat in Assam’s Golaghat district, which borders Nagaland, where a fresh round of evictions is scheduled for Friday.
Hundreds have reportedly fled the area ahead of the operation, with many suspected of attempting to cross into Nagaland.
Earlier this week, Dimapur authorities intercepted more than 200 vehicles carrying alleged undocumented immigrants trying to enter the state and sent them back.
Nagaland Police Commissioner Kevithuto Sophie said that mobile check posts have been deployed and all interstate entry points are under strict surveillance.
Border districts including Dimapur, Niuland, Chümoukedima, Peren, Wokha, Mokokchung, Mon, and Longleng are on heightened alert.
Manipur, which does not directly border Assam, issued a similar advisory on Wednesday amid fears that the displacement could ripple eastward — particularly given Assam’s earlier claims that individuals from Manipur had attempted illegal settlement and were turned back.
The Manipur government has instructed all deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to maintain close watch along interstate and international borders.
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Though the state shares no boundary with Assam, it borders Myanmar, and ongoing unrest across the international border has already heightened concerns about undocumented migration.
Citing the possibility of “an influx of illegal migrants,” the Manipur advisory called for robust monitoring mechanisms, swift identification protocols, and mandatory recording of biometric data for anyone intercepted.
Officials have been told to house any such individuals in designated shelters with appropriate humanitarian assistance — while ensuring they do not integrate with the local population.
The state also reiterated that all undocumented migrants will be deported after completing legal procedures, emphasising the need for strict boundary enforcement and coordinated action among border districts.
