Manipur identified 2,480 illegals in 2023 before violence broke out: CM Biren Singh

Addressing a press conference in Imphal, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Sunday (May 12) claimed 2,480 illegal immigrants were detected in the northeastern state in 2023, but the campaign was cut short after violence broke out on May 3 last year.

Singh said concerned with increasing deforestation and setting up of new villages by illegal immigrants, a Cabinet sub-committee was formed in February 2023 after a cabinet meeting attended by two Kuki ministers Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen.

Haokip was made the head of the sub-committee to identify illegal immigrants.

"We are not biased against anybody but against illegal immigrants. It was a decision taken by the state cabinet," Singh said. "Biometrics were taken in ten villages of Chandel during which 1,165 illegal immigrants were found, 1,147 illegal immigrants were found in 13 villages of Tengnoupal district, 154 illegal immigrants in Churachandpur and rest were found in Kamjong district," Singh said.

Identification of illegals cut short

These figures are not inclusive of the additional 5,457 illegal immigrants who entered Kamjong district, Singh said, adding biometrics of 5,173 people have been taken while 329 have returned back voluntarily after situation improved in the neighbouring country.

"The detection of illegal immigrants was not limited to one community but was to cover the entire state of Manipur. They were found after visiting villages," Singh said. "The campaign for identifying illegal immigrants was, however, cut short just after a month it started and had to be stopped after violence broke out on May 3," Singh added.

ICJ has no business to interfere

Singh expressed strong disappointment with the Geneva-based International Court of Jurists (ICJ) which had recently ordered Indian authorities to stop deportation in Manipur.

"Does the organisation know the hardship faced by the indigenous population and issues of deforestation, demographic challenges and poppy cultivation caused by the illegal immigrants?" Singh asked.

"It is an irresponsible statement. Both the Centre and Manipur government are not under them. The deportations were also not forcible and no laws were broken. Myanmar authorities came to receive them after completing paper works and formalities" Singh said, adding, "NGOs which are focussed on earning funds should not interfere in the state issue as these are matters of survival for the indigenous people."

Singh lauded the acknowledgement made by the National Green Tribunal over the loss of forest areas in Manipur. NGT's Principal Bench in Delhi taking note of the data released by the chief minister on forest cover loss in the northeastern state had said they raised "substantial issues relating to compliance of environmental norms".

Tribal Solidarity March

"We have received information about displaced persons who after getting training from self-help groups are selling their products on the streets. We will engage a team or an NGO to purchase the products and sell them on their behalf," Singh said, adding, "We have also prepared to do something for the betterment of those staying in the relief camps once the election code of conduct concludes."

More than 219 people were killed and thousands displaced from homes after ethnic clashes broke out on May 3 last year, when a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals – Nagas and Kukis – constitute little over 40 per cent and reside in the hill districts.

(With agency inputs)