CSCHR refutes ICJ statement on deportation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 15 2024: Refuting the recent statement made by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in relation to the deportation of 77 Myanmarese immigrants from Manipur to Myanmar, Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations (CSCHR) asserted that the statement on deportation of Mayanmarese nationals to their native country contradicts the ground reality.

In a letter addressed to ICJ, CSCHR convenor Phulindro Konsam stated that ICJ's conclusions on the issue of illegal immigration and periodic exodus from Myanmar to Manipur may be based on misinformed or unauthenticated sources, as they do not align with the ground reality that they have observed and worked with over the years.

Informing that CSCHR is an organisation working under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) for several decades and has been closely monitoring and addressing the issue of immigration due to instability in the neighbouring countries, the convenor said that they have never observed any instances where competent agencies dealing with the matter have breached or violated fundamental principles of human rights protection.

The letter also said that the recent repatriation of 77 Myanmarese nationals was carried out by the district administrations on both sides of the border.

"It was done as per their own choice to return to their respective villages as the situation in the area returned to normal," he explained, while adding that they expressed a desire to resettle in their native villages, and there were no lapses or intentions of forcible deportation.

Since the eruption of violent conflict in Myanmar, thousands of Myanmarese have fled their homes and entered the sovereign territory of India in Manipur and Mizoram sectors since 2021.Steps are being taken up by the government to identify them, and several shelter homes have been built as temporary shelters.

However, the majority of the immigrants or refugees have shown reluctance to stay in these camps and opted to build permanent cottages in the area illegally, Phulindro stated, while mentioning about a survey conducted by a government-appointed cabinet sub-committee headed by Minister Letpao Haokip in 2023.To date, there have been no instances of forcibly deporting any of the refugees or immigrants who entered Indian territory, and neither the government nor civil society organisations have any intention of mistreating these unfortunate people who fled their homes to save their lives, the letter affirmed, while comparing that the phenomenon of influx of immigrants is not unique and rare, as many European countries are already experiencing such alarming situations due to immigrants.

However, in Manipur, it is even more concerning as the immigrant population has been continuously engaging in various serious illegal activities such as illicit drug and small arms trafficking from across the border, massive opium poppy cultivation in encroached immigrant population infiltrated areas, massive deforestation, and the expansion of 996 illegal villages solely by the immigrant population.

Additionally, immigrant armed groups are involved in the violence since May 3,2023, putting the indigenous population ofthe region in jeopardy, the letter pointed out.

While appreciating ICJ's concern for the people who have been suffering under the guise of political instability and geopolitical interests in the region, he urged ICJ to ensure that any future statements or actions are based on accurate information and a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground.

The letter also assured extension of necessary cooperation and coordination with ICJ to uphold the principle of basic human rights and deliver justice to those who need it the most but cautioned against drawing conclusions without thorough investigation.

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