Illegal immigration threat to land, indigenes: Biren
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 13 2025: N Biren, who recently resigned as chief minister of the state, has once again raised concerns over illegal immigration, warning that the unchecked influx of foreigners pose serious threat to land and identity of indigenous people.

Sharing a flashback to 2022, Biren recalled the arrest of a Myanmarese national who was found with a fake Indian Aadhaar card, and expressed strong suspicion that many more such cases might have gone undetected to this day.

Quoting a post of his on November 8, 2022, Biren highlighted the case of Lenkhenmang Mate (26), son of Dujatong Mate of Tuivang village, Myanmar, who was arrested with an Indian Aadhaar card.

He reiterated his long-standing concern that "indigenous people of Manipur are under threat by the illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar" .

Addressing the people of Manipur, he wrote, "My dear indigenous friends, our land and identity are under threat.

With a small population and limited resources, we stand vulnerable".

Biren stated that he had been monitoring and detecting illegal immigration tirelessly until May 2, 2023, but following the tragic events of May 3, 2023, the state machinery has struggled to respond effectively.

Biren pointed out that Manipur's 398 km-long unguarded border with Myanmar and the Free Movement Regime (FMR) have been rapidly shifting the state's demographic balance.

"This is not speculation, it is happening before our eyes," he warned, adding that since his government took charge in March 2017, the challenge has only intensified.

The situation, he said, has become even more critical after the violence of May 3, 2023.He underscored the state's vulnerabilities, stating that it is a small state with a small population and limited resources.

"We have only three MPs to represent us in the nation's highest decision-making body.

Yet, we have always stood with pride, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit," he asserted.

Expressing deep concern over the continued rise in illegal immigration, Biren acknowledged that authorities have only been able to identify a fraction of those who have entered the state.

"But what about the ones who remain undetected to this day?" he questioned.

Urging authorities to take serious note of the issue, he called for intensified efforts to detect and deport illegal immigrants from Manipur.

Declaring his unwavering commitment to the cause, he said, "As for me, I will continue this fight with unwavering commitment in every way I can".

"The challenge before us is not just ours alone, it carries consequences far beyond our borders," he concluded.

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