A town in the Indian state of Nagaland has adopted a resolution to restrict the entry of the so-called illegal Bangladeshi immigrants (IBIs).
The town Chumukedima is located 14km from Nagaland’s commercial hub Dimapur
A public rally, organised by the Tribunal Union Chumukedima Town (TUCT), on Thursday ensued to “create awareness” on alleged influx of IBIs, , reports the
Hindustan Times.
The resolution was adopted after a Naga family was attacked allegedly by a group of non-Nagas in the town on September 21.
An enumeration drive has also been planned in the town between October 9 and October 31 to find out the number of non-Nagas and IBIs residing there.
According to the TUCT, the IBIs pose a serious threat as they control “several economic activities” and cause danger to “peaceful coexistence of the public.”
The resolution, which is only directed towards the IBIs, who might be residing in the area using fake or forged papers, stated no new or existing trade licenses should be issued to IBIs, hence imposed restrictions on sales and purchase of poultry, fishes, and vegetable, among other businesses.
The so-called IBIs would not be allowed to rent out or take rent both commercial and non-commercial vehicles, and Nagas and other Indians are advised to not buy or sell anything from them.
According to the Hindustan Times, the resolution also urged the state government to strictly implement the inner line permit (ILP) system all over Nagaland. House and land owners have been warned not to rent or lease to the suspected foreigners.
The inner line permits (ILPs) are required by Indians from other states to enter Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. This practice was initiated by the British in order to protect their business interests in the region, which was further continued to be practiced after independence. It is viewed as a safeguard for the customary tribal practices in the region.
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