Nagaland should have guidelines to deal with movement of displaced people from Manipur, says The Naga Rising

DIMAPUR— Against the backdrop of the ongoing violence in Manipur and movement of displaced people into the neighbouring states, The Naga Rising (TNR) has said that the government of Nagaland should come up with a calibrated security policy to prevent any unintended consequences.

“From all accounts, it appears that the state government has no guidelines or standard operating procedures (SOPs) in dealing with movement of displaced people. Even basic measures such as registration of the displaced people entering Nagaland was not in place, if we go by local media reports,” TNR said.

The absence of registration of displaced people, it said, would not only create difficulty in gauging the nature and magnitude of the humanitarian assistance required but also make it impossible to assess the situation, which could have serious implications for the future. 

“The government must provide answers: Are there guidelines/SOPs in dealing with displaced people entering Nagaland from outside the state? What is the number of displaced people of Manipur taking refuge in Nagaland and where are they currently sheltered?” TNR asked.  

It pointed out that the unprecedented crisis in Manipur is bound to have repercussions in the neighbouring states, especially Mizoram and Nagaland, as the affected people on either side of the divide try to find safe haven for their livelihood.

“Competing claims over land and resources are often at the heart of ethnic conflicts around the world. While keeping its doors open for humanitarian relief and assistance, the Nagaland government should, at the same time, draw up a sound and calibrated security policy to prevent any unintended consequences,” it stated.

“Even as we appeal for an immediate end to violence, the situation in Manipur and Myanmar could pose serious security challenges for Nagaland. The government should call for an urgent internal security assessment and put in place a coordinated policy and approach in tackling the after effects of the Manipur crisis,” it added.