In a startling revelation, Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh disclosed that 5,801 illegal immigrants from Myanmar had entered Kamjong district since the civil war erupted in the neighboring country. Among them, 15 tragically lost their lives due to natural causes, while 359 voluntarily returned to Myanmar. However, a staggering 5,457 illegal immigrants remain, taking shelter in designated camps across eight villages within the district.
Camps Segregated from Local Populace
Recognizing the potential risks, the state administration has established these camps far from local habitations. This strategic move aims to prevent the illegal immigrants from intermingling with the indigenous population. Village local committees primarily manage the accommodation and maintenance of these designated camps, with the district administration providing essential rations.
Identification and Surveillance Measures
The district administration and police are collecting biometric data of illegal immigrants to assert control. This measure ensures accurate identification and monitoring. Additionally, the authorities have intensified security measures around the designated camps.
Biren Singh revealed that plans are underway for the reverification of all the immigrants’ details. Furthermore, the government intends to deport them once the situation in Myanmar stabilizes. Biometrics of 284 illegal immigrants still need to be uploaded to the Union Home Ministry’s web portal.
Addressing Demographic Threats
In a candid statement, Chief Minister Biren Singh underscored the gravity of the situation, acknowledging that the demography, history, and identity of Manipur’s indigenous people are under threat due to illegal immigration. He emphasized the state’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of the indigenous community, asserting that the deportation of illegal immigrants will continue.
Rebuffing International Criticism
Responding to an appeal from the International Committee of Jurists (ICJ) urging India to halt the deportation of Myanmar refugees, Biren Singh dismissed their concerns. He asserted that the organization lacks a clear understanding of Manipur’s ground reality, stating, “We are not addressing illegal immigration under normal circumstances.”
Humanitarian Concerns and Future Plans
Despite the firm stance against illegal immigration, the state government has not disregarded humanitarian concerns. The migrants are provided identity cards by the district administration, and headcounts are conducted every alternate day to ensure their presence in the designated camps.
Reports indicate that the immigrants are eager to return to Myanmar as the cultivation season has commenced. However, recent bombings and attacks by the Myanmar army have instilled hesitation among them.
Vigilance and Determination
To combat the influx of illegal immigrants, the state government has appointed ten officials from five districts bordering Myanmar to monitor foreign nationals. Biren Singh assured that the state will continue its efforts to detect and identify illegal immigrants with unwavering determination.
Preserving Indigenous Identity
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Biren Singh stated, “We have come across certain news articles in selected media houses of an NGO called International Committee of Jurists (ICJ) which has urged India to halt the deportation of Myanmar refugees. This organization doesn’t have a clear understanding of the ground reality in Manipur.”
He emphasized that the issue of illegal immigrants has become a serious concern in Manipur, as it threatens the demography, history, and identity of the state’s indigenous people. The chief minister urged cooperation from the public and warned against the dissemination of false information, stressing the importance of maintaining law and order.