In a significant development amid escalating ethnic clashes and rising tensions, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Friday the deportation of the first batch of Myanmar nationals who had illegally entered India.
The move comes as part of a broader effort to address the influx of illegal immigrants into the state, particularly amidst a civil war-like situation in Myanmar.
Myanmar Nationals Deported by Manipur
The deportation process began with the repatriation of seven Myanmar nationals on Friday, with 77 individuals set to be deported over the next three days. This action follows weeks of escalating violence and ethnic clashes in Manipur, with the chief minister attributing the state’s woes, in part, to the influx of illegal immigrants from the Kuki-Zo community and the rampant smuggling of drugs and weapons across the porous border.
#UTSnippet: Chief Minister of #Manipur has announced that the first batch of #Myanmar nationals who entered #India illegally deported today [Friday].
Taking to X, #NBirenSingh wrote, “Although India is not signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, it has given shelter & aid to… pic.twitter.com/0K3f7FSdva
— Ukhrul Times (@ukhrultimes) March 8, 2024
The decision to deport illegal immigrants from Myanmar comes in the wake of recent measures to suspend the Indo-Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR) and to fence the entire 1,643-km border stretch with Myanmar. The FMR, which allowed tribal people living along the border to travel 16 km into each other’s countries, has been a subject of contention, with Biren Singh advocating for scrapping and implementing stricter border control measures.
Also Read – Union Home Minister Amit Shah Announces Scrapping of Free Movement Regime with Myanmar
Violence Continues in Manipur, State Demands NRC
The state of Manipur has been grappling with ethnic tensions, particularly between the Meitei and Kuki communities, since May 3, 2023, resulting in sporadic bouts of violence and unrest. Amidst this backdrop, the influx of illegal immigrants has further exacerbated the situation, prompting urgent action from the state government to address the issue.
The deportation process was carried out in coordination with Manipur’s Transport Department, which facilitated the repatriation of illegal immigrants from the Imphal International Airport to Moreh’s border town. The individuals were then handed over to Myanmar officials at Tummu, marking the first step in the deportation process.
Also read – Fencing Of The Entire 1643 KM of Indo-Myanmar Border? Know Home Minister Amit Shah’s Plan To Curb Illegal Trafficking and Smuggling
Manipur’s Illegal Immigration Challenges
Manipur’s challenges with illegal immigration extend beyond this recent deportation effort. The state, along with neighboring Mizoram, has seen a significant influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, particularly following the military coup in February 2021. Mizoram has welcomed thousands of refugees, primarily Chins fleeing the military crackdown, while Manipur has grappled with issues related to drug smuggling and poppy cultivation attributed to certain tribal groups.
In a bid to address the escalating crisis, Manipur has expressed its intention to conduct an Assam-like National Register for Citizens (NRC) exercise to identify and weed out illegal immigrants. Chief Minister Biren Singh has reiterated his government’s commitment to addressing the issue and has signaled his intent to seek central government support for implementing the NRC in the state.
As Manipur takes proactive measures to manage the influx of illegal immigrants and address ethnic tensions, the deportation of the first batch of Myanmar nationals marks a significant step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
