AT hails move of Centre to weed out illegals
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 20 2025: The Arambai Tenggol (AT) has expressed support for the Ministry of Home Affairs' (MHA) directive to detect, identify, and deport illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar.

In a press release issued by its public relation officer (general headquarters), the AT applauded the MHA's initiative, which calls on States and Union territories to use their statutory powers for this purpose.

The group welcomed the proposed 30-day deadline for verifying undocumented individuals, viewing it as a crucial step in protecting National security and Manipur's future.

Saying that they have been at the forefront of highlighting the profound challenges posed by unchecked illegal immigration, it added that AT had also submitted a memorandum to the Governor to update the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the context of Manipur.

NRC is an essential tool for accurately identifying individuals, differentiating citizens from illegal immigrants, and addressing the pressing issues arising from this influx, it said and added that the presence of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar is not merely an administrative challenge but constitutes a multifaceted crisis threatening the very fabric of 'our society' and the stability of the region.

Further stating that illegal immigrants are significantly involved in narco-terrorism, which is devastating lives and fuelling instability in Manipur, the group emphasized that the link between illegal immigration and drug trafficking poses a direct threat to public health, law and order, and the economic well-being of the people.

The illegal occupation of reserved forest land by these immigrants is causing irreversible environmental damage and encroaching on vital natural resources, the AT said and added grabbing land is not only unlawful but also intensifies existing social and economic pressures on the indigenous population.

The AT, furthermore, said that there is a concerning correlation between the presence of illegal immigrants and an increase in incidents of murder and kidnapping.

The safety and security of citizens are paramount, and the documented involvement of illegal immigrants in serious crimes demands immediate action from the Government, it added.

Saying that one of the most damaging consequences of unchecked illegal immigration is its impact on the democratic process, the group added that the potential for illegal immigrants to disrupt elections by illicitly acquiring identification or influencing voting patterns poses a direct challenge to the Nation's sovereignty and democratic integrity.

The continued presence and activities of illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar pose one of the biggest and most complex challenges to National security and the issue has far-reaching implications for border security, internal stability, and diplomatic relations, the AT added.

Saying that AT stands ready to support the Government's efforts to detect illegal immigrants in every possible way within the bounds of law and order, the AT appealed to the MHA to curb the entry and presence of these illegal immigrants in Manipur.

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