Kohima, June 15: The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has voiced strong opposition to a proposal seeking the introduction of a new passenger train service between Moirabari in Assam’s Morigaon district and Dimapur in Nagaland, expressing concerns over illegal immigration, demographic changes and the protection of indigenous rights.
In a statement issued on June 12, the apex Naga student body questioned the need for the proposed service, which was reportedly sought through a representation submitted to the Divisional Railway Manager of the Northeast Frontier Railway’s Lumding Division by Laharighat MLA Dr. Asif Md. Nazar on June 1.
The federation pointed out that rail connectivity between Assam and Dimapur already exists and sought clarification on the necessity of introducing another passenger train on the route. It asked whose interests the service would serve and whether adequate consultations had been carried out before the proposal was made.
Raising concerns over illegal immigration and demographic changes, issues that have remained sensitive in Nagaland for years, the NSF said Dimapur serves as the main gateway into the state. According to the organisation, increased direct connectivity without effective monitoring and verification mechanisms could aggravate existing concerns regarding undocumented migration.
The student body maintained that preserving indigenous identity, traditional land rights, customs and socio-political interests depends on safeguarding the demographic integrity of the state. It also referred to continuing concerns over the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system and identity verification mechanisms, arguing that infrastructure projects with demographic implications require careful evaluation.
Calling for a detailed review, the NSF urged the Ministry of Railways, the Northeast Frontier Railway, the Government of Nagaland and other concerned authorities to undertake comprehensive studies on the demographic, security and socio-economic implications of the proposed train service before moving ahead with the plan.
The federation further sought transparency regarding the basis of the proposal, including information on any studies conducted, stakeholders consulted and the expected public benefits of the service.
Reiterating its position, the NSF stated that it would oppose any development initiative that it believes could adversely affect the security, identity and future of indigenous communities in Nagaland. It warned that any measure perceived as compromising the demographic or socio-political interests of the Naga people would face democratic resistance.
The proposed Moirabari–Dimapur passenger train service has not yet received final approval, and neither the Ministry of Railways nor the Northeast Frontier Railway has issued an official response to the concerns raised by the federation.
