Illegal Migrants and Its Impacts: A Big Threat to Naga Society
The issue of illegal migrants has risen to prominence in national discussions across India, and Nagaland is no exception. The influx of these individuals has brought about significant consequences that threaten the very fabric of Naga society. For instance, data indicates that a staggering number of illegal migrants, predominantly from Bangladesh, are pouring into neighboring Assam daily, with projections suggesting an overwhelming demographic shift that could alter the region’s balance.
Nagaland itself, according to the 2001 census, had a population nearing 2 million, a figure that has likely increased to about 2.5 million or more today. Among this population, it is estimated that there are around 500,000 illegal migrants, of which a substantial majority are Bangladeshi. This demographic shift has given rise to profound impacts on the state’s economic and political landscape.
The economic control exerted by these migrants is significant. For example, in Assam, illegal migrants have managed to secure control over 40% of the political landscape and about half of the economy. The situation in Nagaland mirrors this lack of control and oversight. Illegal migrants have been integrated deeply into the society, wielding considerable influence over economic activities in major cities like Dimapur and Kohima. This integration has been facilitated by a lack of comprehensive data and an apparent indifference towards the granting of political and economic rights to these individuals.
The socio-economic dynamics in Nagaland have been particularly affected by the activities of illegal migrants. Engaging in a wide array of occupations – from agriculture and craftsmanship to taxi driving and even more illicit trades like drug dealing and human trafficking – these migrants have entrenched themselves in the local economy. In Dimapur alone, their influence is so pronounced that the majority of shops close on significant religious observances like ID-ul-Adha Day, highlighting their economic dominance.
Moreover, the cultural assimilation and acceptance of illegal migrants into Naga society raise significant concerns. The adoption of local names by migrants and their incorporation into families and communities as if they were native members have blurred the lines of identity. This normalization extends to the issuance of critical documents such as Permanent Residence Certificates (PRC), ration cards, and voter IDs, often without thorough background checks. Such practices not only endanger the cultural and social integrity of the Naga people but also facilitate the usurpation of resources and opportunities that rightfully belong to the indigenous populace.
Considering the enormity of their presence and the level of their economic engagement, the potential revenue generated by illegal migrants is staggering, posing a challenge to the state’s economy and its rightful beneficiaries – the educated yet unemployed Nagas. If each migrant earns a modest sum daily, the accumulated wealth significantly surpasses governmental budgets, raising questions about who truly benefits from and controls the state’s economic resources.
This scenario underscores a grave threat to Naga society, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive measures to regain control over this escalating issue. It’s not merely about economic displacement or political usurpation; it’s about preserving the cultural heritage, social integrity, and future of the Naga people. The importance of data collection, stringent regulation of migrants, and safeguarding economic and political interests cannot be overstated. As Nagaland stands at a crossroads, the actions taken today will determine the fate of its society for generations to come.
