Manipur MLA writes to CM Biren Singh for seeking deportation of Myanmar refugees

Guwahati: Leishiyo Keishing, an MLA in Manipur, has written a letter to Chief Minister N Biren Singh requesting measures to deport the refugees from Myanmar back to their respective places.

Keishing stated the influx of illegal immigrants into Manipur since November 2023 and expressed alarm at the refugee population, which has surpassed 5800 individuals. Notably, biometric data for 5173 persons has been captured under the supervision of the District Administration.

He pointed to instances of local residents being subjected to violence over disputes related to daily wages and domestic matters, exacerbating law enforcement challenges in the border areas.


Keishing said that the inability of local customary laws to exert control over the refugees due to their adherence to foreign customs and beliefs.

The MLA raised concerns regarding the safety and security of local residents, citing incidents of killings and kidnappings allegedly perpetrated by immigrants who evade apprehension by crossing the border into Myanmar.

Keishing urged Chief Minister Biren Singh to swiftly devise a plan to deport the refugees to their respective villages in Myanmar or identify alternative shelter arrangements under strict supervision.

Keishing cautioned against granting Indian citizenship to the refugees, citing historical precedents from 1968.There have been numbers of incidence of killings and kidnappings of local residents committed by the immigrants, but the culprits could not be apprehended as they abscond and cross the border.”

Arrest

Manipur police have arrested two people in connection with abduction and assault of four Manipur police personnel by an armed group.

Manipur police stated in X, “On 12.05.2024, Manipur Police arrested 02 (two) miscreants belonging to Arambai Tenggol who were involved in the abduction and physical assault of 4 (four) Manipur Police Personnel on 11.05.2024. The arrested individuals have been identified as: i.Taibanganba Sanoujam(25 yrs) ii.Moirangthem Bobo (40 yrs) Search operations continue to arrest the other accused persons involved in the incident.”

Four police personnel stationed at Kangpokpi Police Station were abducted and brutally assaulted by unidentified miscreants. They were abducted along national Highway 2 at Koirengei in Imphal East.

They were identified as Ram Bahadur Karki, Ramesh Budhathoki, Manoj Khatiwoda, and Md Taj Khan.