IPFM proposes panel to count immigrants
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 16 2024: The Indigenous People's Forum Manipur (IPFM) has proposed constitution of a committee or commission including CSOs in order to ascertain the exact figures of illegal immigrants and their villages.

Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, IPFM president Ashang Kasar said that the people of Manipur have been suffering extreme misery on account of the protracted violent crisis and many other issues.

The people's misery has been further compounded with many groups or unlawful organisations demanding money from the public and indulging in other unlawful activities, he said.

The situation may create more conflicts among different communities, he warned.

He appealed to all the 60 MLAs of the State to take pro-active roles and work sincerely to bring peace and normalcy in the State.

If the State Government, the 60 MLAs and other relevant authorities do not work sincerely to bring peace and normalcy in the State at the earliest, IPFM would be constrained to launch intense modes of agitation together with the people, Ashang Kasar said.

Citing the recent statements of Chief Minister N Biren and MLA Leishiyo Keishing about more than 5000 illegal immigrants taking refuge at Kamjong and the problems they have created for the local residents, he said that IPFM submitted a report on the illegal immigrants on December 2, 2023 and sought due attention of the Government.

However, the Government has not yet taken up any concrete action till date, he decried.

Asking the State Government to come out with the exact figure of illegal immigrants who crossed the international border into Manipur within a month, Ashang Kasar reminded the Government of IPFM's earlier appeal to strictly monitor the illegal immigrants taking shelter at Phaikoh, Huimin Thana, Kampat, Choro, Wanglee and Namlee.

He then appealed to all indigenous people of Manipur to come together and work collectively to check the influx of refugees into the State.

Ashang Kasar also urged the Government to formulate an effective and comprehensive policy in order to check the influx of refugees.

Nagas, Meiteis, Meitei Pangals and Old Kukis must come together and urge the Government to bring a solution to the protracted crisis.

All stakeholders must work collectively to resolve the crisis through dialogue between the two communities in conflict, he said.

Now illegal immigrants have set up a number of villages along the Indo-Myanmar border.

Settlement of outsiders is not limited to Kamjong alone.

Illegal immigrants have set up a number of villages at Tengnoupal, Chandel, Churachandpur and other areas close to the international border, Ashang Kasar said.

With the Government watching the alarming situation silently, the State Government is as good as dead, he said.

He appealed to the Government to convene a joint meeting with representatives of all CSOs in order to chalk out measures which can check any further influx effectively.

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