In a recent statement, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh drew attention to the concerning proliferation of 996 new villages in the State, attributing their growth to illegal immigration. He expressed grave concern over the implications of this trend, stressing its detrimental impact on indigenous communities and national security as well as causing massive changes to the demography.
CM Biren’s remarks shed light on a longstanding issue that has plagued Manipur and the wider nation for over a decade. Since 2006, there has been a noticeable uptick in the establishment of new villages across Manipur, largely fuelled by an unregulated influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring Myanmar. This influx not only reshapes the demographic makeup of the region but also contributes to widespread environmental degradation, notably through deforestation to accommodate settlements and illicit activities like poppy cultivation.
Moreover, the encroachment of these illegal settlers on resources, employment opportunities, land, and the rights of indigenous populations has intensified tensions within the region.
In response to this pressing crisis, the Manipur Government has embarked on proactive measures to address the issue. The CM announced the initiation of biometric data collection for illegal immigrants and the geo tagging of their settlements, aiming to stem their unchecked proliferation and safeguard the state’s borders.
Citing the example of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who is dealing with same issue, CM Biren expressed on X, “When the British PM recently asserted their unyielding commitment to deporting illegal immigrants and even claimed that no foreign court can stop them, nobody dared to question the British Government.”
SEE the post here: https://x.com/NBirenSingh/status/1784970596582899719
The Manipur CM further wrote, “Now, when the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Manipur Government adopt a similar stance and initiate the deportation of illegal immigrants from the State, certain sections of people are losing their sleep. They have been persistently spreading false propaganda to portray the Manipur Government as a communal government.”
CM Biren’s call to action extends beyond Manipur, urging all citizens to unite in support of the government’s efforts to protect the nation from the threats posed by illegal immigration.
