The Manipur government has asked the Assam Rifles to push back Myanmar nationals after over 700 citizens of the neighbouring country reportedly crossed the border last week. As many as 718 Myanmar nationals, including 301 children and 208 women, have entered Manipur's Chandel district amid ongoing clashes between the ruling Army and civil forces in the country, IANS reported quoting an official.
Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi has sought a detailed report from Assam Rifles on how over 700 Myanmar nationals "were allowed to enter India" without "proper travel documents". The Myanmar nationals reportedly crossed the border on July 22 and 23.
"The state government has strictly advised the Assam Rifles to push back those 718 illegal Myanmar nationals immediately," the Chief Secretary said in a statement.
Manipur has around 400 km unfenced border with Myanmar.
The development comes as Manipur is under the grip of ethnic violence that has rocked the state since May 2, killing over 120 people and displacing thousands.
The chief secretary said the Myanmar nationals entered Manipur on Saturday and Sunday last week and were staying in seven locations of Chandel district -- Lajang, Bonse, New Samtal, New Lajang, Yangnomphai, Yangnomphai Saw Mill, and Aivomjang, IANS reported. These locations are along the Myanmar border.
The government has told the Assam Rifles to take strict action and prevent entry of Myanmar refugees into Manipur on any ground without valid visa and travel documents, as per instruction of the Union Home Ministry.
"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," the statement said.
The chief secretary has asked the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Chandel district to keep biometrics and photographs of all such persons.
After the military took over the reigns of Myanmar in February 2021, thousands of nationals have fled to Mizoram. Around 5,000 Myanmar nationals have also earlier taken shelter in Manipur.