Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who also holds the home portfolio, has assured that the state government is taking stringent measures to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants into Nagaland. Addressing a meeting with civil society organizations (CSOs) on Monday, Patton outlined the steps being taken to check the inflow of suspected illegal immigrants.

Patton clarified that a viral video of passengers disembarking from a train at Dimapur railway station prompted immediate action from the police and administration. Three counters were set up at the railway station to check suspected illegal immigrants, and checking has been ongoing for the past three months.

The minister stated that all efforts have been made to maximize passenger coverage and eliminate illegal immigrant influx. Enhanced monitoring has been initiated at eight inter-state check gates, with strengthened monitoring and random checking at vulnerable locations. Nine CCTVs monitor the area around platform no. 1 of the railway station.

The DCs of eight border districts in Nagaland are in constant touch with their Assam counterparts for information exchange on illegal immigrants. ILP drives have been intensified, resulting in over 200 defaulters identified and 50 arrests made between January and September 9 this year. Flash mobile vehicle check posts are being carried out at over 250 checkpoints to detect criminal activities and illegal immigrants.

Patton appealed to CSOs to remain calm and help government agencies curb the spread of rumors. He urged them to report any abnormal influx to the authorities, ensuring collective efforts to prevent illegal immigration.