Three Northeast states—Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland—have issued urgent alerts and stepped up border security in late July 2025. Their goal is to stop illegal migrants, displaced by Assam’s eviction drives, from entering their territories. The Assam Eviction Drives, which target people accused of living on government land without permission, have caused thousands to leave their homes, raising fears of a spillover into neighboring Northeast States.
Assam’s government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been running these eviction operations since 2021. The most recent actions took place in Dhubri, Goalpara, and Golaghat districts. Officials say these drives have cleared thousands of acres of government land, mostly from people suspected of being illegal migrants, especially Bengali-speaking Muslims and alleged Bangladeshi settlers. As a result, many families have been forced to move, and some have tried to cross into nearby states.
Border Security and State Responses
Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland have all responded quickly. Each state has put in place strict measures to keep illegal migrants from entering. In Nagaland’s Niuland district, police stopped and turned back over 200 vehicles carrying people who had been evicted from Assam. This shows how seriously the Northeast States are taking the risk of new arrivals.
In Manipur, the Home Department sent out a memorandum to all Deputy Commissioners and police officers. They have been told to watch the borders closely, report any suspected illegal migrant movement right away, and collect both biometric data (like fingerprints and iris scans) and biographic data (such as names and addresses) from anyone they suspect. Manipur has also set up special task forces and updated its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to help with detection and prevention.
Meghalaya’s government, led by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, held a high-level security meeting. They stressed the need for teamwork among district magistrates, police, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and traditional leaders to stop illegal migrants from entering. Unlike Nagaland and Manipur, Meghalaya does not have the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, which makes it harder to control who comes in. Because of this, the state is focusing on better border checks and more community involvement.
Nagaland has also acted fast. The government sent advisories to Deputy Commissioners in border districts like Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima. Village and town councils have been told to report any unusual movement. The state has set up district-level intelligence teams and is working with police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to stop suspected illegal migrants. The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), a powerful student group, has asked for a landlord-tenant registration system to help enforce the ILP, especially in cities where it is easier for people to slip through.
Community Concerns and Local Reactions
The Assam Eviction Drives have not only affected those being removed but have also caused worry in local communities. In Dhemaji district, Assam, indigenous and tribal groups held a torch rally on July 25, 2025. They demanded that suspected Bangladeshi immigrants be evicted within 15 days. Many locals are anxious about changes in the population, land rights, and the environment. They fear that if illegal migrants settle in their areas, it could change the way of life and put pressure on resources.
How the States Are Handling the Situation
The three Northeast States are using several methods to deal with the possible influx of illegal migrants:
- Identification and Reporting: Officers must report any suspected illegal migrants right away. They collect fingerprints, iris scans, and personal details to make sure people do not mix with the local population or try to get legal documents.
- Surveillance and Checkpoints: Police and Deputy Commissioners are keeping a close watch at all border points and places where people might try to sneak in. Village and town councils are also helping by reporting anything unusual.
- Sheltering and Deportation: If someone is found to be an illegal migrant, they are placed in special shelters. They get basic help but are kept separate from locals. After checking their identity, the authorities start the process to send them back to their home country, following the law.
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) Enforcement: Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh have the ILP system. This means visitors need a special permit to enter. Even though there are online systems and QR codes to check permits, there are still gaps, especially in cities. The NSF’s push for a landlord-tenant registration system is meant to close these gaps.
Key People and Groups Involved
Several important people and groups are leading these efforts:
- Himanta Biswa Sarma: Assam’s Chief Minister, who is leading the eviction drives.
- Conrad K Sangma: Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, who is in charge of security coordination.
- Deputy Commissioners in Nagaland: Tinojongshi Chang (Dimapur), Polan John (Chümoukedima), and others are managing border security.
- Naga Students’ Federation (NSF): This student group is calling for stronger ILP enforcement.
- Manipur Home Department: They have sent out new rules and procedures for finding illegal migrants.
- Village and Town Councils: These local groups are the first to spot and report suspicious movement.
Historical Background
Assam has a long history of tension over illegal immigration, mainly from Bangladesh. This has affected who owns land, the balance of different groups in the population, and relationships between communities. The Inner Line Permit system is a rule in some Northeast States that helps protect local people by controlling who can enter and stay. Earlier eviction drives happened from time to time, but the current government has made them much more common since 2021. This has made other states more worried about security and migration.
Looking Ahead: What Might Happen Next
The Assam Eviction Drives are likely to continue and may even expand into more districts, such as Golaghat, which borders Nagaland. Neighboring Northeast States are expected to keep their borders under close watch. They might also bring in new laws or rules to stop illegal migrants from coming in. The calls for better ILP enforcement and new registration systems could lead to changes in state policies in 2025 and 2026.
Community protests and rallies, like the one in Dhemaji, may also shape how governments deal with immigration and land rights. Local people want to protect their way of life and make sure resources are not stretched too thin. At the same time, there are concerns about the rights and safety of those being evicted, who often have nowhere else to go.
Practical Steps for Residents and Officials
For people living in these Northeast States, it is important to stay informed and follow any new rules or advisories from the government. Village and town councils should continue to work closely with police and district officials. If someone sees unusual movement or suspects illegal migrants are entering, they should report it right away.
Officials should make sure that any suspected illegal migrants are treated fairly and given basic support while their cases are checked. Deportation should only happen after all legal steps are followed. States can also look at ways to improve their permit systems and make it harder for people to enter without permission.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- Government of Manipur Home Department: For updates and advisories, check their official Twitter handle.
- Nagaland Deputy Commissioners’ Offices: Contact details are on the Nagaland government portal.
- Meghalaya Chief Minister’s Office: For security news and coordination.
- Assam Government: For information on eviction drives and policies, visit the Assam government website.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these coordinated actions by Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland show how seriously the Northeast States are taking the challenge of illegal migrants after the Assam Eviction Drives. The situation remains tense, and both officials and local communities are working hard to keep their regions safe and stable. By staying alert and following proper procedures, these states hope to manage the complex issue of migration while protecting the rights and safety of everyone involved.
Learn Today
Assam Eviction Drives → Government operations removing suspected illegal settlers from government land in Assam since 2021.
Illegal Migrants → People residing without legal permission, often crossing borders without authorization into Northeast states.
Inner Line Permit (ILP) → Special permit required for visitors to enter certain Northeast Indian states to protect indigenous rights.
Biometric Data → Unique physical measurements like fingerprints or iris scans used to verify a person’s identity.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) → Indian central armed police force involved in border security and counter-insurgency operations.
This Article in a Nutshell
Northeast Indian states react strongly to Assam’s eviction drives by reinforcing borders and introducing strict migrant controls. They collect biometric data and engage communities to prevent illegal entry, aiming to balance security with humanitarian concerns amid rising displacement and tension.
— By VisaVerge.com
