As border security remains a pressing issue, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has raised fresh concerns over illegal migration from Myanmar and Bangladesh. Highlighting Manipur’s geographic vulnerability, he warned that the state’s demographic stability could be at risk if strong countermeasures are not enforced.
BY PC Bureau
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday expressed deep concerns over the state’s vulnerability to illegal infiltration from Myanmar and warned of a potential spillover of Bangladeshi migrants through Assam. He called for heightened vigilance among the indigenous population to curb illegal immigration from both directions.
Singh emphasized that Manipur shares a 398 km border with Myanmar, making it a key entry point for migrants fleeing the ongoing crisis in the neighboring country. While Manipur does not have a direct boundary with Bangladesh, it depends on Assam’s role as a buffer state in detecting illegal migrants. Assam, which shares a 263 km border with Bangladesh, and Tripura, with an 856 km border, remain susceptible to infiltration due to unfenced and porous stretches.
A particular concern raised by Singh was the under-construction Mahur-Tamenglong road, which will improve connectivity between Manipur and Assam. While the road promises economic benefits, the Chief Minister warned that it could also open a new route for Bangladeshi migrants to enter Manipur if strict monitoring measures are not implemented.
“On the eastern front, we are dealing with illegal migration from Myanmar, while from the west and south, there is a risk of Bangladeshi infiltration. If Assam fails to identify and stop illegal migrants, Manipur could face serious demographic challenges,” Singh cautioned.
ALSO READ: Honoring Netaji’s Legacy: How India Downplays the Role of Kukis and Meiteis in INA Campaign
Manipur is currently protected by the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, introduced in 2020, which requires Indian citizens from other states to obtain permission before entering. The ILP serves as a crucial safeguard for indigenous communities, preventing unchecked migration and preserving the state’s demographic balance.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to remain vigilant and support government efforts to strengthen border security and enforcement mechanisms to counter the threats posed by illegal infiltration from both Myanmar and Bangladesh.
In recent months, security forces in Northeast India have intensified efforts to prevent illegal infiltration along the international borders. Notably, the Assam Police and Assam Rifles have successfully foiled several infiltration attempts, leading to arrests and deportations.
Sir, you are a prominent leader, @KirenRijiju, but it seems you lack an understanding of the situation in Manipur. The violence primarily stems from the issue of illegal immigrants from Myanmar. The demographic changes, widespread poppy cultivation, and
1/2 @Manipur12345 pic.twitter.com/39INVSv5Ip— Christopher Hijam (@ChristopherHij2) January 20, 2025
On November 27, 2024, the Assam Police thwarted an infiltration attempt from Bangladesh, apprehending two Bangladeshi nationals, Nur Mohammed and Muhammed Khaleda Begum. They were subsequently pushed back to their country of origin.
In a separate incident, the Assam Police on November 29, 2024 arrested at least eight Bangladeshi infiltrators who attempted to cross into India through the Indo-Bangladesh international border. The individuals were apprehended and later deported.
Additionally, the Assam Rifles intercepted a potential infiltration attempt on November 13 last tyear by cadres of the Koireng-led United National Liberation Front (UNLF) along the Myanmar border near Moreh in Tengnoupal district. A suspicious individual was observed approaching the border fence from across the international boundary and was subsequently intercepted.
These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges faced by security forces in managing and securing India’s international borders against unauthorized crossings.
