Manipur steps up vigil along Myanmar border to curb “illegal migration”

GUWAHATI: The Manipur government has informed that it is stepping up vigil in five districts that share a border with Myanmar to curb the migration of persecuted minorities fleeing the civil war-torn country.

The government has appointed a nodal officer in each of Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Chandel and Churachandpur districts and entrusted them to monitor and check illegal migration.

In a May 11 order, the government said the nodal officers had been appointed as the influx of “illegal immigrants” is on the rise.

“The nodal officers will identify new settlements and illegal migrants in the new settlements and other suspected locations, capture biometrics of the illegal migrants, upload biometric details in foreigners’ identification portal of Ministry of Home Affairs and submit weekly reports to the government along with photographs and videos,” the order said.

The district magistrates and the superintendents of police of the five districts have been asked to provide necessary assistance to the nodal officers in terms of manpower and logistics.

The government said people displaced by the civil war were entering Manipur illegally. It said altogether 5,801 such Myanmar nationals were detected in Kamjong district. Of them, 15 died due to natural causes while 359 returned to Myanmar.

“The remaining 5,457 others are taking refuge in eight designated camps which are located far from the local habitation to prevent mixing with local people. They are provided with identity cards by the district administration and headcount is done every alternate day,” a government statement said.

It said the people were keen on returning to Myanmar but could not do so due to bombing by the country’s army in the past few days.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday urged the people of the state not to panic or spread rumours.

Stating that relief is being provided on humanitarian grounds, he said, “The illegal migrants will be deported by following the due process of law. The government will ensure that indigenous people are protected and that illegal migration is checked.”