Nagaland DGP asks public to be vigilant amid fears of illegal immigrants influx

KOHIMA — Amid growing concern of a possible influx of illegal immigrants into north-eastern states following the ongoing political turmoil in Bangladesh, Nagaland Director of General of Police (DGP) Rupin Sharma on Saturday requested the public to be vigilant and report suspicious movements of migrants to the authorities.

Speaking to Eastern Mirror on the sideline of an event in Kohima, the state police chief said the superintendent of police and the officer-in-charge have been instructed to be on the alert.

For now, things are okay and we have not received any reports of illegal entries as yet, he added.

Home Commissioner of the state, Vyasan R, also said on Friday that no unnatural movement of people have been detected so far, adding that the state government has asked district administrations to immediately activate security coordination committees and conduct ‘surprise checks’ for Inner Line Permits to check entry of illegal immigrants.

As for detention and deportation of illegal immigrants if detected, Sharma said that it has not been considered and it should come from the Centre.

“Legally speaking, if they have entered India illegally without any documentation or without any visas and all, I think they should be deported. However, pending their deportation, they could be kept in detention camps. I think maybe it’s also going to be some sort of humanitarian issue if it comes in. So, we will wait for the instructions from the government of India on how to handle it,” he said.

With regard to the recent advisory on police personnel consuming alcohol in uniform, he said no reports of such cases have been received so far.

The DGP, however, said that the Police department would continue to keep an eye on personnel who have been violating its instruction and take action against them.

‘The advisory was issued to all ranks and applies to everybody. It is to make sure that they are not abusing their powers and authority, and not creating a nuisance for themselves or for the public, and that the image of Nagaland police is not spoiled in the eyes of the people,’ Sharma said.

He further reminded that police are supposed to be the upholders of law.