Nagas and Xenophobia

With wars and conflicts across the globe and changing geopolitical scenario, countries are increasingly turning towards self-interest and protectionism. This is resulting in a phenomenon   called Xenophobia, a fear and hatred of ‘outsiders’. India is also trying to tackle Islamophobia, a variation of Xenophobia with extremist right-wing ideologies. At the same time, Nagas are developing an increasing intensity of Xenophobia, which is directed towards the illegal immigrant workers, especially Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants (IBI). It is not an unusual sight to see illegal immigrants living in our society today and co-existing with them is becoming a norm. When we saw the recent incidents of illegal migrants attempting to enter Nagaland, our fears were renewed. The public suddenly woke up from their deep and long slumber with a jolt and caused an uproar. It makes me wonder why our actions and measures against illegal immigration are only seasonal.

Growing up in Kohima, when I first visited the bustling Blue Market in the heart of the town in the late 1990s, it seemed harmless. They were just here in Kohima for business. But over the years, they have increased in multitude and magnitude. We find Miyas and plain manu finding inroads into the villages. Crowds throng the streets and local ground to worship during their festivals. Markets, construction and infrastructures come to a grinding halt on their festive days, which reflect their unseeming dominance on our economy. At one point of time, there were only grown-up men sitting in the shops. Today, they have even begun to resettle their family into our land. From street hawkers to big shop owners, they own a big chunk of it.

It is an open secret that many shops in Kohima and Dimapur function under Benami accounts. Shops owned by outsiders or IBIs have business permits under the name of local godfathers. Ultimately, this method is grievously harming the state economy, though it profits a few local godfathers. Our young boys and girls are now working as sales persons in the shops owned by outsiders. I do not blame them. They have no other choice. But it is a sad reminder that we have become secondary in the primary market sector due to our greed, lack of vision and laziness. We consecrate our buildings after construction. But we defile the same building by renting it out to others. ‘Outsiders’ have established their businesses in all the commercial vantage points of Kohima and Dimapur. And tragically, many of these locations are owned by public organisations who are crying out against the illegal immigrants. Why are our public organisations double-speaking?

Many trucks and transport vehicles are increasingly owned and operated by non locals. Most of these vehicles are registered under the name of local guardians. A time may come when the transport business is captured by illegal immigrants and we may end up driving their vehicles in our own land. Incidents of locals being physically assaulted by non local mobs are also commonplace. Why have they come to develop such audacity in our land?

I believe that to develop into a progressive society, we have to cultivate a tolerant and hospitable attitude towards people from all communities and religions. A tribe, a village or Nagas alone cannot make a city or a society great in this globalised world. To grow, we need to co-exist with every community around us. But at this rate, we are heading towards a future where our economics, demographics, culture and dignity are compromised. Every right-thinking Naga citizen seems to be aware of the impact of this uncontrolled and unmonitored immigration. However, the public and Government machinery create uproar only after an untoward incident occurs and forget to monitor and control the inflow of illegal immigrants after the issue calms down. When tourists apply for ILPs on the state government portal, sometimes permission is granted only after completing their stay in state. If the ILP is efficiently implemented, it will generate substantial revenue for the state. The masses, who act as guarantors for ILP application, also need awareness and re-education. Various agencies responsible for implementing ILP can do an efficient job by creating awareness and providing guidelines to hotels, homestays, tourist agents and guides to make sure that their guests/clients have ILPs. A limit should be imposed on the number of immigrant workers permitted to get ILP in the state. Houses should not be rented to immigrants without ILPs. The responsibility of the parent tribal bodies and the villages who gave their land to develop our towns is big, because this ugly mess is unfurling in their territorial jurisdiction. Without their pro-active involvement and enthusiasm, no other party or tribe can take full responsibility in solving this matter despite having goodwill and conviction.

Mokokchung district has done a good job in controlling the inflow of immigrants and the rest of the state should learn from them. Nagaland can also learn from Mizoram, which has been able to protect its demography and economy from being subjugated by outsiders despite the influx of local and international immigrants/refugees. By strongly aligning government policies with public interests, they have shown that it is easier and simpler to get things done when there is political will and strong public support.

To curb the issue of illegal immigration in Nagaland, the public and Government machinery need to consistently monitor and control the inflow of outsiders. Instead of harbouring hatred and directing our frustration towards them, the most effective thing that the public can do is to refrain from renting out our buildings to immigrants for commerce and housing. This will make it unconducive for them to immigrate into our land. A time has come where the house owners should be encouraged to rent their commercial spaces to the native business community.

Finally, the Naga public must retrospect on some points. Will the Nagas and the Government remain complacent and let illegal immigration explode out of proportion? Or, one day, if the immigrants outnumber the native population, will we remain silent and become the next Tripura? Will the Nagas resort to ethnic cleansing like our neighbour, Myanmar? Today, we may not consider ourselves as Xenophobic but when such a dark day comes, the world will view the Nagas as Xenophobic, having irrational fear, hostility and hatred towards outsiders.  

(This article does not intend to incite hatred or violence against IBIs or other immigrants. The author only wishes to express her concern and views over the immigration issue and requests the readers to sensitise the next generation about this ticking time bomb)

Dr. Alono Thorie

CoEES, Oil India Limited