Northeast Desk, 13th May: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh disclosed on Sunday that a state Cabinet sub-committee had identified 2,480 illegal immigrants in 2023, but the initiative was curtailed following violence on May 3 last year.
Speaking at a press conference, Singh highlighted the committee’s formation in February 2023, driven by concerns over rising deforestation and the establishment of new villages by illegal immigrants. Led by Kuki ministers Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen, the sub-committee aimed to detect illegal immigrants, with Haokip appointed as its head.
Singh emphasized the non-biased nature of the cabinet’s decision, targeting illegal immigrants regardless of their community. He revealed that biometric data collection uncovered 1,165 illegal immigrants in ten villages of Chandel, 1,147 in 13 villages of Tengnoupal district, and 154 in Churachandpur, among others. Additionally, 5,457 illegal immigrants entered Kamjong district, with biometric data collected from 5,173 individuals, and 329 voluntarily returning after conditions improved in their home country.
The Chief Minister clarified that the detection efforts spanned the entire state of Manipur, reaching various villages. Unfortunately, the campaign was halted just a month after its initiation due to the outbreak of violence on May 3.
Last year’s ethnic clashes, sparked by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March,’ resulted in over 219 casualties and displacement of thousands. The march protested against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, highlighting underlying tensions between the Meiteis, who dominate the Imphal Valley, and the Nagas and Kukis, residing in the hill districts.
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