SHILLONG: The North East Indigenous People Forum, comprising former militant groups of Northeast, has pledged to take up the matter of illegal immigration with the Central government.
Representatives of the pro-talks United Liberation Front of Asom, Dima Halam Daogah, Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation, Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People, Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) and Achik National Volunteer Council took part in a meeting at Orchid Lake Resort, Umiam on Monday and underlined the need to address the issue of illegal immigration from neighbouring countries.
Spokesperson of NEIPF and leader from Manipur, M. Ibumgochoudibi, informed that the forum was formed to address concerns of illegal immigration to the region which poses a threat to the existence of indigenous security. According to him, illegal immigrants come to the country from neighbouring Bangladesh, Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal.
Stating that India shares an over 5,500 km border in the Northeastern region with neighbouring countries, Ibumgochoudibi said the porous borders facilitated easy entry of migrants to the country.
He assured that the forum would strive to highlight the grievances faced by the indigenous community and take up the matter of influx with the Central government.
NEIPF also held the first meeting of the sub-committee in which the members voiced their opposition to the decision of the Central government to bring an amendment to the Citizenship Act. He further informed that the forum elected pro-talks ULFA general secretary, Anup Chetia as its chief convener while FKJGP president, Wellbirth Rani was given the responsibility of preparing a logo, flag and motto of the forum to reflect the bond between the seven NE states.
Ibumgochoudibi also expressed concern at the Supreme Court’s directive to grant citizenship to Hajongs and Chakmas settling in Arunachal Pradesh, saying it would affect the indigenous people in the state. The migration of Rohingya refugees to the region, he said would also affect the state’s security.
When contacted, FKJGP president, Rani asserted that refugees should not be categorised on the basis of religion, whether they were Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar or Hindu refugees from Bangladesh or other neighbouring countries.
“Indian citizenship should not be based only on religion,” he said.
