Manipur: Naga Groups urge Amit Shah to send illegal immigrants back to Myanmar

Guwahati: Several civil bodies comprising from Nagaland and Manipur have submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Amit Shah and requested him to deport illegal Myanmar immigrants.

The letter highlighted that around 5,457 illegal immigrants from Myanmar are taking shelter in eight Tangkhul villages in Manipur’s Kamjong district adjoining Myanmar and they have outnumbered the local residents.

“There is a significant lack of law enforcement to manage the rising anti-social activities, and the influx of foreign culture has threatened local customary practices,” the memorandum mentioned.

According to reports the memorandum was submitted by the United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women's Union (NWU), All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) and Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPM-HR).

The concern that these bodies mention is that it becomes increasingly difficult to monitor the activities of adult male inmates (refugees) due to fluctuating numbers and irregular verification exercises in makeshift refugee camps.

The Naga bodies requested Shah to facilitate the safe return of these migrants to Myanmar, citing improved conditions post-violence in their homeland.

The organizations also pointed out that the hospitality extended by locals and the supportive role of the state government, emphasizing the need for the central government’s intervention in repatriation efforts.

Moreover, the organizations raised concerns about ongoing military activities despite the Indo-Naga Ceasefire Agreement since 1997.

They said that people in the state fear and have insecurity which is caused by military presence and the disruption of daily life due to movements of military trucks at odd hours along the border.

“In light of these issues, we urge the withdrawal of Assam Rifles from the region, unless there is a genuine threat perceived by the Union Government,” the organizations further wrote in the memorandum.