Governor urged to act on MHA directive against illegal influx
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 31 2025: Indigenous People's Forum, Manipur (IPFM) has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Governor, urging strict implementation of the Ministry of Home Affairs' recent directive on identifying and deporting illegal immigrants, while also recommending an extension of the 30-day timeframe set for the verification process.

In the memorandum, the Forum welcomed the Union Government's directive mandating all states and UTs to complete verification of suspected illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar within 30 days and expressed sincere appreciation to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for initiating what it described as a "decisive step" towards addressing a long-standing issue that has posed a serious threat to the demographic balance, socio po litical fabric and internal security of Manipur and the wider North Eastern region.

The Forum, nevertheless, conveyed serious concern that the 30-day timeframe is inadequate for a thorough and credible verification, particularly in the complex border districts of Manipur.

The memorandum stated that the magnitude and sensitivity of the task, compounded by difficult terrain, limited administrative capacity and decades-old settlement patterns, require a more extended and carefully managed process.

IPFM urged the Governor to recommend an extension of the verification period to the Union Government, stating that "the objective must not be compromised due to administrative constraints." It called for a systematic, transparent and well-supported process to ensure that genuine Indian citizens are protected, while illegal immigrants are lawfully identified and deported.

The memorandum highlighted that Manipur, situated in the In-do-Myanmar border region, has witnessed continuous influx of undocumented individuals from Myanmar and Bangladesh, asserting that this "unchecked immigration" has caused demographic shifts, land encroachments, environmental degradation including widespread poppy cultivation, and increased strain on local resources.

The issue has now escalated from a socio-political concern to a matter of national security, the Forum warned, reminding the Governor that Indigenous communities and civil society groups in Manipur have long raised alarms over the growing presence of undocumented foreigners who often obtain fraudulent documents to claim Indian citizenship.

IPFM said that despite repeated appeals over the years, the matter has remained "inadequately addressed", leading to "a rapid erosion of their identity, land and traditional way of life".

To substantiate the longstanding nature of the issue, the memorandum referred to a letter dated 20th June 1973, in which Paokai Haokip, the then Member of Parliament from Outer Manipur, had written to the then Minister of State for Home Affairs, KC Pant, acknowledging the settlement of over 1,500 refugee families in Manipur as early as 1967.IPFM questioned the fate of these families and how they were assimilated into Manipur's population, while raising concern over the recent influx of illegal immigrants in areas like Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal and Kamjong.

The Forum warned that if this issue remains unaddressed, it could further destabilise the fragile socio-political equilibrium in the state.

"Illegal immigrants not only undermine the rights and land ownership of Indigenous communities but also contribute to a rise in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking,it cautioned.

IPFM then urged the Governor to consider the gravity of the situation and take up the matter with urgency, requesting the establishment of verification task forces at both state and district levels, particularly in border areas, and recommended the involvement of community-based organisations in the verification process.

It also called for the creation of secure data systems and registers to prevent future illegal settlement and land encroachment.

The Forum emphasised that protecting the Indigenous peoples of Manipur is not only a constitutional responsibility but a moral obligation to preserve their unique identity, heritage and rights.

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