Kohima: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has opposed a proposal seeking the introduction of a new passenger train service between Moirabari in Assam and Dimapur in Nagaland, citing concerns over illegal immigration, demographic changes and security implications.
In a statement issued on Friday, the federation said it was objecting to a reported representation submitted to the Divisional Railway Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway’s Lumding Division on June 1 by Dr Asif Md Nazar, MLA from Laharighat Legislative Assembly Constituency in Assam, seeking the introduction of the rail service.
Questioning the rationale behind the proposal, the NSF said railway services connecting Assam and Dimapur were already operational and sought clarity on the purpose and beneficiaries of the proposed route.
The federation expressed concern over what it described as the growing challenge of undocumented immigration in the Northeast and said Nagaland, particularly Dimapur as the state’s principal entry point, remained vulnerable to the influx of undocumented individuals.
It argued that any expansion of transport connectivity should be preceded by adequate mechanisms for regulation, identity verification and monitoring, especially in view of ongoing concerns relating to the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and the protection of indigenous rights.
The NSF stated that the demographic integrity of indigenous communities was closely linked to the protection of their identity, land ownership rights, customs and traditions.
The federation called on the Ministry of Railways, Northeast Frontier Railway, the Nagaland government and other concerned authorities to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the demographic, security and socio-economic implications of the proposed train service before taking any decision.
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It also demanded transparency regarding the basis of the proposal, including any studies conducted, stakeholders consulted and the public interest it sought to address.
Reiterating its opposition, the NSF said it would resist any initiative that it believes could adversely affect the demographic and socio-political interests of the Naga people.
The statement was issued by NSF president Mteisuding and general secretary Kenilo Kent.
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