Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that more than 5,800 illegal migrants illegal migrants in Manipur from Myanmar had crossed into Manipur, seeking refuge in Kamjong district.

Addressing a press conference in Imphal on Sunday, Chief Minister Singh remarked on the extent of the crisis, highlighting the increase in number of illegal migrants illegal migrants in Manipur from Myanmar, primarily concentrated in eight villages in Kamjong district.

illegal migrants in Manipur
Source: The Wire

Due to the setting of civil unrest in Myanmar, these individuals have sought shelter in Manipur, presenting a challenge to the state administration. "Of these, 15 have died due to natural causes and 359 have returned to Myanmar," Chief Minister N. Biren Singh mentioned, adding that they would be deported when the situation in Myanmar improves.

Addressing this rapidly growing crisis, he also affirmed that "illegal migrants" who had entered Manipur would be deported to their respective countries by due process of law, adding that protecting the indigenous people is of prime importance to his government.

"The data available with us says 996 new villages cropped up in the state due to illegal migration," he mentioned.

illegal migrants in Manipur
Source: Daily Excelsior

"Their designated camps are located far from the local habitations to prevent them from mixing with local people," Singh said, giving insights on the designated camps, strategically located to prevent integration with local populations, serving as temporary shelters for the migrants.

Village committees, in collaboration with district authorities, are overseeing the accommodation and welfare of the migrants, ensuring that immigrants are provided identity cards by the administration and regular head-counts at alternate days are done.

To efficiently manage the problem of illegal migration, the government has been using biometric recording and data management systems. By recording the biometrics of migrants and uploading them onto the Home Ministry's portal, authorities aim to enhance transparency and accountability in the process. However, challenges persist, that the biometrics of 284 people have not been recorded yet.

Amidst efforts to address the crisis, the government faces challenges and controversies, with calls from international organisations urging a pause to the deportation of Myanmar refugees.

Chief Minister Singh, while acknowledging concerns raised by certain quarters, restated the government's stance by saying, "We're not dealing with illegal immigration under normal circumstances. The demography, history and identity of the indigenous people of Manipur are being threatened."

Singh reaffirmed the government's commitment to prioritise the interests of indigenous communities, stating this issue as a matter of national security. "Unfortunately, these so-called rights activists and part-time social workers are closely involved with some groups who are attempting to create more hostility and divisions in the states. Their work goes against the larger interest of the people and the nation. This is a matter of national security", Biren Singh said.

You might also be interested in - CM Biren Singh confirms detecting 5,457 ‘illegal immigrants’ in Manipur’s Kamjong district

"