1. Manipur CM N Biren Singh pledges to identify and deport settlers arriving after 1961, sparking feasibility concerns.
2. Experts view the move positively amid escalating ethnic tensions and unrest in the state since May last year.
3. Challenges loom over the need for foreign countries to recognize deportees as their citizens for successful deportation.
Imphal, Feb 14: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced that individuals who arrived and settled in the state after 1961 would be identified and deported. However, experts have raised doubts regarding the feasibility of this decision.
Identifying illegal immigrants is seen as a positive step by experts, considering the ethnic tensions and unrest in the state since May last year.
Nevertheless, deportation could pose challenges, particularly if the respective foreign countries do not recognize them as citizens.
Addressing the launch of ‘Project Buniyaad’, Chief Minister Biren Singh emphasized the need to identify and deport those who arrived after 1961, regardless of their caste or community background.
This decision stems from the Manipur cabinet’s approval in June 2022 to use 1961 as the base year for determining native status under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system.
Political analyst Pradip Phanjoubam highlighted the complexity of deportation, emphasizing the necessity of foreign countries recognizing immigrants as citizens. Ashang Kashar, a Naga leader, echoed similar sentiments, stressing that the Manipur government cannot solely execute deportation.
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The decision to adopt 1961 as the base year for ILP implementation is viewed positively by analysts as a step towards addressing the state’s challenges. However, the practical implications of deporting individuals who have lived in the state for decades raise legal and logistical concerns.
In 2021, it was reported that over 2,000 people from Myanmar sought refuge in Manipur following political turmoil in their country. The central government has initiated measures to regulate movement along the India-Myanmar border.
The Coordinating Committee (COCOMI), representing various organizations in Imphal valley, welcomed the Chief Minister’s acknowledgment of the issue of illegal immigrants. Drawing lessons from Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC) experience, COCOMI emphasized the importance of identifying illegal immigrants as a crucial step in addressing the root causes of conflict.
The ethnic tensions in Manipur have resulted in recurring violence, claiming numerous lives since May last year.
The state’s population is diverse, with Meiteis constituting the majority and tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, forming a significant portion of the population.
The conflicts in Manipur have been fueled by various grievances, including disputes over land rights and attempts to grant ST status to certain communities.
The government’s decision to address the issue of illegal immigration is seen as a pivotal step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
