718 Myanmar Nationals Enter Manipur Illegally

Over 700 Myanmar nationals have entered Manipur illegally on July 22 and 23, Manipur government said on Monday.

The state government has now asked the Assam Rifles to immediately push back the 718 Myanmar nationals, including 301 children and 208 women, who entered the state’s Chandel district illegally on the above mentioned dates.

The State government has sought a detailed report from the Assam Rifles authority to clarify on the facts and reasons, how the refugees were allowed to enter without proper travel documents.

“The Headquarters 28 Sector Assam Rifles had reported that 718 fresh refugees have crossed the Indo-Myanmar border and entered Manipur via Chandel district on July 23, due to the ongoing clashes at Khampat,” Chief Secretary said in an official statement issued on Monday.

Joshi added that the Myanmar nationals are currently taking shelter in seven areas of Chandel district — Lajang, Bonse, New Samtal, New Lajang, Yangnomphai, Yangnomphai Saw Mill, and Aivomjang.

“The state government views the fresh illegal entry of 718 refugees very seriously with utmost sensitivity as the same may have international ramifications more particularly in view of the ongoing law and order issues,” he further added in the statement.

The government has asked the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Chandel district to deal with the situation effectively and also keep biometrics and photographs of the Myanmar nationals.

Taking to Twitter, BJP MLA Rajkumar Imo Singh too mentioned that the state government has sought details of how the Myanmar nationals entered Manipur without proper documents. His tweet read, “State Government has sought a detailed clarification from authorities to clarify the reasons as to how the 718 Myanmar Nationals entered Manipur, India. They have been ordered to push back/deport all the Myanmar Nationals immediately to their own country.”

“Manipur is for all the indigenous people from all communities, but let us all push and deport all illegal migrants from our State. Central Government has to ensure that no illegal person enters the territory of Manipur, India. Porous boundary needs to be fenced properly and identification of all illegal migrants needs to be completed on priority as ordered by the Central Government”, Singh’s tweet further said.

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