Assam’s ongoing eviction campaign in Dhubri and Goalpara districts has triggered a regional chain reaction, with neighbouring states of Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland issuing coordinated advisories to prevent an influx of illegal migrants. The Assam government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, claims to have uncovered extensive illegal encroachments on government land, allegedly by migrants from across the border and has launched what it calls a ‘lawful recovery’ operation.
Manipur Leads the Crackdown
The Government of Manipur’s Home Department has circulated a directive instructing all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to stay on high alert. District administrations are now required to activate District-Level Task Forces to monitor movement across inter-district, inter-state, and international borders. These task forces must collect biometric and biographic data of any suspected migrants and immediately report unusual movements.
According to the advisory, regular monitoring at all entry and exit points particularly along the Assam border is mandatory under the existing border pass system. District police have been tasked with identifying overstayers and those without valid documents.
Meghalaya and Nagaland Follow Suit
Echoing Manipur’s vigilance, the governments of Meghalaya and Nagaland have also intensified surveillance in border districts. Deputy commissioners and police superintendents in both states have been directed to maintain robust checkpoints and review suspected areas for possible migrant settlements. District-level committees have been ordered to conduct regular inspections and share updates with the home departments.
Deportation for Illegal Migrants
The joint advisories across the three states make it clear: any illegal migrant detected will be deported after legal verification and due process. Authorities are expected to leave no stone unturned in tracing undocumented individuals. The message is unambiguous: there is no space for spillover migration in the aftermath of Assam’s cleanup.
The rapid escalation of measures underscores a growing regional unease. For years, northeastern states have harboured anxieties about changing demographics, particularly due to unchecked migration, often blamed for altering socio-cultural dynamics and placing strain on limited resources. Now, with Assam pushing aggressively to clear land believed to be occupied by undocumented settlers, neighbouring states fear the displaced populations could simply resettle just across state lines.
Critics Warn of Human Rights Concerns
Human rights groups, meanwhile, have expressed concern over the sweeping nature of the crackdown. They warn that entire communities risk being labeled ‘illegal’ without proper verification, raising fears of mass displacement without rehabilitation. The lack of transparency and accountability in some eviction drives has further fueled controversy.
Assam’s internal policy is quickly becoming a regional flashpoint. With Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland drawing hard lines at their borders, the Northeast is entering a new phase of political and demographic realignment. The underlying message from state governments is firm: the burden of Assam’s evictions will not be theirs to bear.