Asylum policy urged
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 15 2021:
The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has urged the State Government to give asylum to the Myanmar citizens fleeing from the political unrest and violence raging through the neighbouring country after enacting a proper policy.
Speaking to media persons at the Lamphelpt office of UCM this evening, COCOMI coordinator Sunil Karam said they have received reports of many Myanmar citizens flocking to the North Eastern States, particularly Manipur following the military coup and subsequent violent crackdown on protesters in the neighbouring country.
The State Government ought to give shelter to the fugitives on humanitarian ground but all the fugitives must be properly registered and their biometric data should be collected after enacting a proper policy, Sunil said.
Movement of the fugitives should be restricted as it is not advisable to allow them unrestrained movement in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The policy should have a provision of sending back the fugitives once the situation calms down in their home country, said the COCOMI coordinator.
He said that COCOMI would support the State Government in any effort to give asylum to the fleeing Myanmar citizens in the State under a proper policy.