Will continue to fight against illegal immigrants: Ex-Manipur CM

Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said on Thursday that he would continue to fight against the illegal immigrants with unwavering commitment in every way as “our land and identity are under threat”.

Referring to a post he made on social media on November 8, 2022, Singh said: “Our land and identity are under threat. With a small population and limited resources, we stand vulnerable. I monitored and detected illegal immigration tirelessly until May 2, 2023. But after the tragic events of 3rd May, 2023 our state machinery has struggled to respond effectively.”

In his post on November 8, 2022, he had said: “Myanmaris national with a deceased Indian Aadhar Card, Indigenous people of Manipur is under threat by the illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar, Lenkhenmang Mate (26 yrs) S/o Dujatong Mate of Tuivang Village, Myanmar, with Indian Aadhar card arrested.”

Singh in his post three years ago tagged a photo of a man along with a “fake” Aadhar card. In his post on Thursday, said: “How many more remain undetected till today? My Dear Indigenous Friends, Our land and identity are under threat. With a small population and limited resources, we stand vulnerable. I monitored and detected illegal immigration tirelessly until May 2, 2023.”

Singh added that an unguarded 398 km border with Myanmar and the Free Movement Regime (FMR) were rapidly shifting Manipur’s demographic balance.

He said: “This is not speculation, it is happening before our eyes. Since our government took charge in March 2017, the challenge has only intensified. After the May 3, 2023 incident, the situation has become even more critical. Manipur is a small state, with a small population and no significant resources. We have only three MPs to represent us in the nation’s highest decision-making body. Yet, we have always stood with pride, resilience, and an unbreakable spirit.” Singh said that illegal immigration continues to be on the rise, threatening the very fabric of our society.

“So far, we have only identified a fraction of those who have entered our land. But what about the ones who remain undetected to this day? I urge all concerned authorities to take serious note and intensify efforts to detect and deport illegal immigrants from Manipur. As for me, I will continue this fight with unwavering commitment in every way I can. The challenge before us is not just ours alone, it carries consequences far beyond our border,” he stated.

Singh earlier also claimed that illegal migrants from Myanmar have changed the demography of Manipur and a section of immigrants are involved in unlawful poppy cultivation in the forest land.