Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said that his government has requested the Union Home Ministry to end the free movement regime along the India-Myanmar border and expedite the completion of border fencing. The existing free movement regime permits individuals residing in close proximity to both sides of the India-Myanmar border to traverse up to 16 km deep into each other's territory without requiring any documentation.
During a press conference held in Imphal, CM Singh emphasised that his government remains committed to addressing the challenge posed by what he termed as an influx of "illegal immigrants" and underscored the imperative of securing the entire India-Myanmar border through fencing, news agency PTI reported.
"The Union Home Ministry has initiated measures to install fencing along a 60 km stretch of the international border within Manipur," he remarked.
The Chief Minister asserted that the current situation has arisen as a consequence of unplanned policies adopted by prior governments northand is not a direct outcome of any recent decisions.
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As per PTI, he stated, "Our government has formally requested the Union Home Ministry to rescind the free movement regime. Additionally, we have noted a deficiency in the proper guarding of the border by security forces. Instead of being stationed at the zero point, they have been observed guarding the border approximately 14-15 km inside Indian territory."
Singh emphasised that the primary focus of the government remains to address the pressing issues within the state. These issues include grappling with the influx of illegal immigrants, undertaking welfare initiatives for internally displaced individuals, and combatting extensive poppy cultivation.
Since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3 following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organised in the hill districts to protest the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the majority Meitei community, more than 175 people have lost their lives with several hundred sustaining injuries.
The Meiteis, constituting about 53% of Manipur's population, predominantly inhabit the Imphal valley. Meanwhile, tribals, encompassing Nagas and Kukis, make up 40% of the population and are predominantly located in the hill districts.
Allegations have emerged suggesting that illegal immigrants from Myanmar may have played a role in the recent violence. Manipur shares a border of approximately 390 kilometres with Myanmar.
A Meitei organisation has claimed that the four-month-long turmoil stems from tensions related to deforestation, unlawful opium poppy cultivation, and demographic shifts in certain areas of the state, largely influenced by illegal immigrants from Myanmar, PTI reported.
There are also allegations of firearms being supplied to militants in Manipur from across the border in Myanmar.
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