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DIMAPUR — Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton cautioned on Tuesday that if effective mechanisms to check the influx of illegal immigrants are not put in place, then Nagaland would soon become a replica of Tripura “with 75% illegal immigrants.”
Towards this end, the Home Minister called upon the Gaon Buras (GBs) of Dimapur district to identify illegal immigrants in the district before it was too late.
Patton, who is also in-charge of Home and Border Affairs, was addressing the inauguration of the new office-cum customary court of the GB Union Dimapur (GBUD) here at Zakiesato colony.
He described the day as "a historic occasion" because the union was finally able to build an office after 34 years. He also reminded the GBs that they are the pillars of society, serving as "custodians of customs and dispensers of justice."
And since the sadar GBs fall within the urban sector of Dimapur, Patton said they have myriad and big tasks in discharging their responsibilities.
“Wearing a red coat is a big responsibility in Nagaland, especially in a cosmopolitan city like Dimapur,” he said, and added that the GBs were given the role because they have the trust of the populace and are appointed by the government as per the recommendation of the respective colonies.
“I understand you have your grievances, and you are most welcome to share your grievances, but without any reason, don’t go against the government because you are appointed by the government," he reminded the GBs.
The deputy CM urged the GBs to inform the Home Department in whichever colonies there are no GBs and also to report to the administration about any untoward activities or disturbances in their respective localities.
“As the Home Minister, I am your father,” he assured the GBs.
Addressing the media after the inaugural programme, the Home Minister, when asked whether the state government is contemplating any move to oppose the revocation of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Indo-Myanmar border, reiterated that not only Nagaland but also Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh have border issues.
So the leaders of these states are going to meet the central leaders, though the tentative date for the meeting has not been provided, he added.
Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, who also addressed the event, acknowledged the GBs as the custodians and harbingers of customary laws.
“I am speaking as a policeman. Most cases are settled via customary law. But we should be able to differentiate between customary law and the law of the police,” he insisted while asserting that crime against the state cannot be compromised in any manner whatsoever.
“In cases that are against the state, I would request that the GBs educate the public and society that such cases cannot be settled the customary way and to also educate society on when not to compromise on a case,” the CP said.