Manipur: Chief Minister urges calm amidst deportation of "illegal" Myanmar nationals

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh urged for understanding and restraint as relief efforts are extended to illegal Myanmar nationals seeking shelter within the state's borders on humanitarian grounds.

Emphasizing adherence to the nation's legal framework, the Chief Minister reiterated that illegal migrants would undergo due process and be deported in accordance with established laws.

Central to his address was the assurance of safeguarding the indigenous populace and curbing illegal migration, a pivotal concern amidst an estimated 12,000 illegal Myanmar nationals currently residing in Manipur.

Expressing dismay over recent assertions by the International Committee of Jurists (ICJ), the Chief Minister underscored the organization's purported lack of comprehension regarding the ground realities in Manipur.

Refuting claims of normalcy in the immigration scenario, he highlighted the existential threats posed to Manipur's demography, history, and identity, citing the imperilled status of its indigenous community.

Asserting the paramountcy of protecting indigenous interests, both at the central and state levels, Singh reaffirmed the commitment to continue deporting illegal immigrants.

He also condemned the involvement of purported rights activists and social workers in fostering discord and hostility within the state.