NSF warns of potential crisis stemming from influx of Bangladeshi migrants | MorungExpress

• Meets a 14-day deadline to implement the ILP in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland
• Urges NPGs not to interfere with the efforts of federated units

KOHIMA, 5 SEPTEMBER (MExN): The Naga Students Federation (NSF) has expressed alarm over the escalating crisis in Bangladesh, a situation it says has led to unrest in the region and poses a direct existential threat to the Naga homeland.

In a statement, the NSF said illegal immigrants from Bangladesh have already started entering the state, highlighting the terrifying prospect of a mass exodus from Bangladesh to Nagaland. It warned that if this menace is not addressed, it could erode the very fabric of Naga identity, culture and future.

The NSF described the current situation as nothing less than a “demographic avalanche” and highlighted the historical consequences of uncontrolled immigration from Bangladesh. The 1947 Partition and the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War led to major influxes of migrants into the northeast, leading to profound changes in the demographic landscape. Nagaland now faces a similar threat, with illegal immigration potentially permanently altering its cultural identity and sovereignty, it said.

The NSF said the problem goes beyond being a mere statistic: it is an existential threat. The demographic shift currently underway is not just a number on a chart, but represents a potential dilution of the Naga culture, way of life and future as an indigenous people. The NSF said it will not stand by as its homeland becomes a haven for illegal immigrants.

The NSF has called for immediate action in response to reports of these migrants entering the state. It has urged its federated units and subordinate agencies to rigorously monitor and curb any such influx. Stressing that “vigilance is no longer optional but a matter of survival,” the NSF has appealed to all Nagas to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and offer their full cooperation in stopping this demographic invasion.

Furthermore, the NSF has issued a clear and unequivocal message to all Naga political groups, urging them not to interfere with the legitimate efforts of the federating units and subordinate organs of the Federation as they work to protect the future of their people.

Any group or entity providing patronage or safe haven to non-locals is expected to cease such actions immediately. The Federation stressed that this is not a time for political manoeuvring but for coming together in the face of a common threat. The Federation warned that it will not tolerate any interference that compromises its efforts to defend the Naga homeland from this growing threat.

The NSF has also expressed deep frustration over the lack of decisive action by the Government of Nagaland. Despite several demarches, including a communication sent on 28 February 2024, the Government is yet to take any meaningful action.

The NSF has therefore demanded that the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime be implemented in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland districts within 14 days. The Federation has warned that any delay in implementing these measures will be seen as a failure to protect the Naga people and an abdication of the government’s responsibilities.

Reaffirming its commitment to safeguard the Naga homeland from illegal immigration at all costs, the Federation said it will monitor the situation closely and is prepared to take necessary action if the government fails to implement the ILP regime in the specified districts.

The NSF also called on all individuals, organizations and government entities to recognize the seriousness of this threat and act quickly. “This is a fight for our very existence and we must rise as one to defend our homeland,” it said.