1. Manipur deploys 10 officials across 5 districts to monitor illegal immigrant influx from Myanmar.
2. Chief Minister N Biren Singh reaffirms the state’s dedication to tackling illegal immigration.
3. Singh underscores the importance of safeguarding indigenous people during press conferences.
Imphal, May 12: In a persistent endeavor to curb the influx of illegal immigrant into the state, the Manipur government has deployed 10 officials across five districts bordering Myanmar to oversee the monitoring of foreigners.
During a press conference at his secretariat today, Chief Minister N Biren Singh emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the issue of illegal immigration, considering it a matter of grave concern for the safety and protection of indigenous people.
Singh affirmed that the government would continue its vigorous efforts in detecting and identifying illegal immigrants.
Responding to an appeal from the International Commission of Jurists urging a halt to the deportation process, Singh underscored the severity of the illegal immigration problem in Manipur, stating that it posed a significant threat to the demography, history, and identity of the indigenous people. He cautioned against external interference in the matter, emphasizing the need for a thorough understanding of Manipur’s ground reality before making judgments.
Singh announced the government’s decision to bolster the illegal immigration screening process by appointing two officials, one civil and one police personnel, to each of the five districts: Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Chandel, and Churachandpur.
These appointed nodal officers would be tasked with identifying new settlements, detecting illegal immigrants, capturing biometrics, uploading biometric details to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ foreigners’ identification portal, and submitting weekly reports to the government, accompanied by photographs and videos.
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Highlighting the plight of displaced individuals amid the civil unrest in Myanmar, Singh revealed that Kamjong district alone had identified 5,801 illegal migrants, with measures in place to provide humanitarian aid and temporary shelter.
These migrants are housed in designated camps located away from local communities to prevent integration and will be repatriated in accordance with the law.
Singh reiterated that the government’s stance against illegal immigration was not targeted at any specific community but aimed at safeguarding the state’s integrity.
He emphasized the impartial composition of the cabinet sub-committee tasked with detecting illegal immigrants, chaired by Minister Letpao Haokip and comprising members from diverse communities.
Despite encountering obstacles, including conflicts arising from the identification process, Singh assured that the government remained committed to resolving the ongoing crisis while upholding the state’s core interests.
