The initial phase of deportation of illegal immigrants from Myanmar concluded in Manipur on May 2, with 38 individuals exiting India through the Moreh border. The process, characterised by its non-discriminatory nature, marks a significant step in ensuring border security and sovereignty in Manipur, according to the state government.
The deportation process, executed seamlessly, underscores the state government’s commitment to identifying and addressing illegal immigration concerns. Biometric data collection remains a cornerstone in this effort, reinforcing the imperative of safeguarding national borders.
In a parallel development, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh recently sounded an alarm regarding the alarming proliferation of 996 new villages attributed to illegal immigration. CM Biren Singh’s warning underscores the multifaceted threat posed by unchecked immigration. CM Biren Singh wrote in his X handle, “Without any discrimination, we have completed the first phase of deportation of illegal immigrants from Myanmar with 38 more immigrants leaving Manipur, India today through Moreh. A total of 77 illegal immigrants have been deported in the first phase. One Indian national was also brought back from Myanmar during the handover ceremony. The State Government is continuing the identification of illegal immigrants and at the same time biometric data are being recorded. Let’s keep our borders and country secure.”
𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐏𝐇𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐌𝐌𝐈𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐌𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐌𝐀𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘
Without any discrimination, we have completed the first phase of deportation of illegal immigrants from Myanmar with 38 more… pic.twitter.com/KSXZtZeGVV
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) May 2, 2024
Since 2006, the unchecked influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar has led to a surge in new village formations across Manipur. This demographic shift not only alters the region’s landscape but also triggers environmental concerns, including deforestation for settlements and illicit activities such as poppy cultivation.
Moreover, the encroachment on resources and indigenous rights exacerbates existing tensions within the region, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue comprehensively.
The completion of the deportation phase in Manipur signals a proactive approach towards tackling illegal immigration, underscoring the government’s commitment to border security and national integrity. As efforts continue to mitigate the impact of unchecked immigration, collaboration at regional and national levels remains paramount in addressing this complex challenge.
