Imphal: In a strategic move, Chief Minister N Biren Singh of Manipur has confirmed the phased deportation of Myanmar nationals who entered the state illegally. The meticulous process aims to address the challenge posed by a substantial number of undocumented individuals. CM Singh explained, “The number of illegal Myanmar nationals is huge, so we cannot deport them all together at one time. Part by part, we are deporting them as legal proceedings are also underway.”
To manage the complexity of the operation, CM Singh highlighted the phased approach, ensuring a systematic response to the situation. Discussing concerns regarding the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the Chief Minister asserted that the decision rests with the central government, following the state’s resolution on the matter. “Our Assembly has passed a resolution on NRC, and now the rest is in the hands of the Centre, and I will follow it,” he added.
The deportation process kicked off on March 8, with seven Myanmar nationals deported from Imphal International Airport. This marks the initiation of a larger operation set to deport a total of 77 individuals between March 8 and March 11. According to the Home Department of the state government, these individuals will be transported in batches via helicopters from Imphal to the border town of Moreh.
The Home Department’s order, issued on March 5, outlines the logistics of the operation. The deported individuals will be handed over to Myanmar officials at Tummu, the Myanmar side of the international border. Over four days, these individuals will be deported in batches, with the state government’s Transport Department covering the associated costs.
In the midst of decisive government action, the political landscape remains charged. Tribal bodies of the state seem to be not happy with this decision of the government. As the deportation process unfolds, it sparks debates about border control, legal proceedings, and the broader implications of managing an influx of individuals crossing international boundaries without proper documentation. The central government has recently decided to fence the border and end the Free Movement Regime (FMR) in the Indo-Myanmar border in Northeastern states.
