Home Minister Gaikhangam commits to checking illegal influx
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 27, 2012: The Government of Manipur is ready to carry out an extensive exercise and check if there are illegal immigrants in the State.

This was stated by Home Minister Gaikhangam who also appealed to all the students and professionals who came back from Bangalore to go back to their respective institutions and offices.

Speaking to media persons at his office today, Gaikhangam, quoting Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister R Ashoka's assurance for adequate security, urged the fleeing students and professionals to return to their respective institutions and work stations at Bangalore.

Taking serious note of the classes missed by Manipuri students after they fled Bangalore on account of rumours, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister had been asked to persuade educational institutions of Bangalore to conduct extra classes for the Manipur students.

Ashoka was also told to allow Manipuri professionals to re-join their companies and offices, Gaikhangam said.

Appreciating the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister's goodwill visit to the State, Gaikhangam conveyed DIG Clay Khongsai's report which said that the situation in Bangalore was nothing to worry about.

Clay Khongsai has been staying at Bangalore assessing the situation in the city in the wake of rumours about attack on North East people and the subsequent exodus.

On being asked about the latest attack on a Manipuri youth at Delhi, Gaikhangam said that Delhi, being capital of India, is home to all kinds of people.

"We must be always careful in Delhi.

Nevertheless, we would take up the matter with the Government of Delhi", the Home Minister assured.

To another query about the State Government's policy/initiatives to check illegal immigrants, Gaikhangam avoided a direct reply saying that it was not proper for him to comment on the matter as any issue related to migration should be handled by the Centre.

Yet, he claimed that the State Government has been following certain measures to check illegal migrants since earlier.

The State Government would soon check if any illegal migrants have made permanent settlement in the State.

Reacting to the charge of BJP that Congress was using illegal immigrants as their vote bank, Gaikhangam said that the issue of influx from Bangladesh is a common issue which should tackled collectively by all the political parties.

It would not be right to politicise the issue.

On being asked about involvement of police personnel in criminal activities, Gaikhangam informed that so far 20 police men involved illegal activities have been arrested and sent to judicial custody.

Those undiscipline, wrong-doers would be awarded befitting punishment to make it clear that there is no place for undiscipline and violation of law within Manipur Police.

Incidentally, Manipur Police have a strength of around 30,000 personnel.

Due actions have been taken up against the personnel who was caught lifting a bike a couple of days back.

The case of Loitam Richard was also discussed with the Karnataka Deputy CM during his visit at Imphal yesterday, Gaikhangam added.

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