1. UCM condemns Centre’s halt on Indo-Myanmar border fencing in Kuki areas.
2. UCM President YK Dhiren raises concern over illegal immigration influx.
3. Calls for urgent completion of border fencing to protect Manipur.
Imphal, Sep 20: The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has strongly condemned the Centre’s reported decision to halt the ongoing fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border in Kuki-dominated areas.
UCM President YK Dhiren expressed deep concern over this move, citing the ongoing influx of illegal immigrants across the Indo-Myanmar border as a significant issue for the state.
Addressing the media, Dhiren highlighted the alarming situation at the border, particularly in Kuki-dominated areas where cross-border movement is high.
He described the government’s decision to halt fencing in these areas as unfortunate, especially since these regions are key entry points for illegal immigrants.
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Dhiren emphasized that completing the border fencing is crucial to curbing the inflow of illegal immigrants, particularly in areas like Sagang Division and other regions bordering Myanmar’s Chin State.
The UCM president questioned how the Government of India (GoI) plans to address Manipur’s ongoing 16-month crisis while leaving the Indo-Myanmar border in Kuki-dominated areas open.
He stressed that the cross-border movement of illegal immigrants exacerbates the already fragile situation in the state.
Dhiren also expressed concerns about the Centre’s intentions, suggesting that the delay in completing the border fencing might be part of a larger hidden agenda to keep Manipur in a state of unrest. He urged the government to avoid actions that could escalate the ongoing regional crisis.
Recalling statements made by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who has frequently mentioned illegal immigration and drug trafficking as major factors contributing to the unrest in Manipur, Dhiren criticized the decision to prioritize fencing in other areas while neglecting the Kuki-dominated regions.
He argued that this move could further worsen the population imbalance in the state.
In response, UCM has vowed to pressure both the Centre and the Manipur state government to ensure the border fencing work is completed swiftly, especially in the high-risk Kuki-dominated areas.
