Onus on law enforcing agencies to curb influx
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: October 08, 2024 -

THOUGH it is obvious that any policy of the government to prevent cross-border infiltration would be opposed from certain quarters it is heartening to learn that chief minister N Biren, in-spite of being branded as despotic, sectarian, etc., especially in the aftermath of the discordance between the Meetei and the Chin-Kuki communities since May last year, still has steely resolve to contain illegal immigration into the state.

Amid inexorable objections raised against the union government's recent decision to suspend the free movement regime (FMR) and expedite fencing in Manipur sector of the international border between India and restive Myanmar, chief minister Biren reassured the public that his government is taking proactive measures to safeguard the state from potential influx citing growing concerns over illegal migrants entering the neighbouring states.

Reflecting on reports of detecting and detaining illegal migrants in some of the north-eastern states, which share porous a well as fenced borders with Bangladesh, which also recently faced tumultuous situation, the CM claimed that the government of Manipur has taken up proactive measures to safeguard the state against a potential influx.

Illegal immigration along with proliferation of arms and drugs from across the border had been a great cause of concern for both the governments in the state and at the centre, not to mention about concerned stakeholders.

However, there have been instances of ethno-centric organisations making it a point to raise objections as and when the state government launches crackdowns to identify persons of dubious origin or uphold sanctity of reserved forests.

Taking a cue from the neighbouring Assam, which has started eviction drives to cleanse wildlife sanctuaries and areas designated as reserved or protected forests from encroachers, majority of who were found to be non-native to Assam, chief minister Biren seems to be convinced that regardless of drawing flaks from his detractors he shall have to take firm decision to uphold interests of the indigenous communities as could be comprehended from his announcement that key entry points, particularly Mao Gate and Jiribam, are under increased surveillance to prevent illegal migration.

Stating that the government has heightened vigilance to ensure that any migration threats are promptly addressed, the chief minister called upon the people of Manipur to stay alert and promptly report any suspicious activities.

The CM sounded the alert amid Assam police rounding up another illegal Bangladeshi national near the international border, raising the total number of illegal Bangladeshis arrested so far to over 108.

While influx of Bangladeshis has been the primary concern for Assam, in Manipur's context the problem stems from both Myanmar and Bangladesh as the state's border districts have indigenous population either inferior to illegal settlers or facing serious threat of being overwhelmed sooner than later.

As such, rather than simply advising the bonafide citizens to maintain vigil and tip-off authorities concerned, the government should impress upon state and central forces manning the border gates and known influx points to discharge mandated tasks with sincerity and diligence, without which all endeavours of the chief minister for safety and survival of the indigenes would be construed as mere rhetoric.