October 8: The Angami Public Organisation (APO) has announced a series of measures aimed at restricting the employment, use of services and access to land for persons it describes as “illegal immigrants” within Angami jurisdiction.In an appeal issued on October 7, the APO said the resolutions were adopted at a general meeting held on September 4 at the Multipurpose Building, Kohima Village, and were intended to protect Naga land and indigenous interests.
The organisation referred to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR), 1873, and subsequent land regulations, arguing that non-indigenous inhabitants are prohibited from acquiring interests in land in Nagaland. It also cited the extension of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to the erstwhile Dimapur district and its subsequent implementation in Dimapur, Chümoukedima and Niuland.
The state’s official ILP portal confirms that ILP requirements apply to non-indigenous inhabitants entering Nagaland. The APO also expressed concern over what it described as the growing presence of illegal immigrants in the state. Citing a study by various groups, it claimed that while the decadal growth of Nagaland’s indigenous population was 20.44%, the population growth of what it calls “illegal Bangladeshi immigrants” was 181.67%.
Under the first resolution, after December 31, 2026, no Naga youth will be allowed to work for persons classified by the APO as illegal immigrants, including as salespersons in shops or in other assignments within Angami jurisdiction. The Angami Youth Organisation (AYO) has been tasked with taking action to enforce the resolution.The second deadline is March 31, 2027. After this date, the APO says no one will be allowed to utilise the services of such persons as drivers, domestic servants or labourers.
It further states that persons described as illegal immigrants should not be allowed to use or operate trade licences, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, SIM cards, permits, bank accounts or other documents issued in the name of any Angami.The third and final deadline is July 31, 2027. After this date, the APO says no Angami should rent out houses or land to persons it identifies as illegal immigrants.The organisation has asked the AYO, in consultation with respective village councils and village youths, to take necessary action to enforce the resolutions after the respective deadlines.The APO said the initiatives were being undertaken “in the interest of all Nagas” and appealed for public support.
