Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday highlighted the pressing issue of illegal immigration from Myanmar, revealing staggering figures of migrants seeking refuge in the state.
Speaking to the media at his secretariat in Imphal, the chief minister informed that the Manipur government has detected as many as 5,801 illegal immigrants in Kamjong district to date, while 15 individuals have tragically succumbed to natural causes and 359 have voluntarily returned to Myanmar.
At present 5,457 illegal Myanmar migrants are currently taking shelter in designated camps across eight villages in Kamjong district alone, he said, highlighting the gravity of the situation with the scale of the influx.
However, the remaining migrants face uncertainty, exacerbated by recent bombings by the Myanmar army, he added.
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He maintained, in response, the Kamjong district administration, along with the police department, has initiated biometric data collection and intensified security measures around designated camps. Furthermore, plans are underway for the re-verification of all migrants and deportation once the situation in Myanmar stabilises, CM Biren said.
Despite calls from the International Committee of Jurists to halt deportations, the chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Manipur’s indigenous community.
“To protect the state which has already been affected by various challenges and threats posed by illegal immigration, forest encroachment and poppy plantation, we will continue the deportation of illegal immigrants,” the CM said.
He also urged for cooperation from the public and warned against the dissemination of false information, stressing the importance of maintaining law and order in the face of this unprecedented challenge.
In view of the increasing influx of illegal Myanmar migrants in the state and the various challenges posed by the illegal migrants, the chief minister informed that the Home Department on Saturday appointed 10 civil and police nodal officers.
Two nodal officers each will be checking and monitoring influx of illegal migrants in five districts bordering Myanmar namely Chandel, Tengnoupal, Kamjong, Ukhrul and Churachandpur, besides vigil by another special team, he added.
Addressing reports of hardship faced by inmates of relief camps in selling their homemade products on the streets, the chief minister announced the government’s readiness to procure their goods at reasonable prices in bulk.
Additionally, provisions are being devised for IDPs whose original residences are still vulnerable, he said, adding the plans include the construction of single houses, with approximately 100-200 units slated for development, prioritising the privacy and needs of affected families.
Encouraging IDPs who have not yet availed themselves funds for house construction to do so, CM Biren assured them of all the government’s support in rebuilding their homes in areas where the situation is under control and devoid of violence.
