Refugee Influx From Myanmar Poses Law And Order Challenges In Manipur’s Kamjong District

With over 398 kilometres of porous border shared between Manipur and Myanmar, Kamjong district’s 104-kilometre border reportedly lacks adequate fencing, allowing the alleged surge of refugees into the state.

The alleged Myanmar refugees in Manipur's Kamjong district

Source : Special Arrangement

Guwahati: The alleged recent influx of around 4,363 Myanmar nationals, apparently seeking refuge in Manipur’s Kamjong district, driven by the turmoil resulting from the military crackdown on rebel groups in the neighbouring country, purportedly poses a serious situation potentially posing to create law and order in the northeastern state.

With over 398 kilometres of porous border shared between Manipur and Myanmar, Kamjong district’s 104-kilometre border reportedly lacks adequate fencing, allowing this alleged surge of refugees into the state. Primarily comprising Chin tribes with ethnic ties to the Kuki community of Manipur, along with a small number of Myanmarese Meitei community, these refugees have seemingly sought shelter in Kamjong, as per a press release.

The Manipur government around a month ago admitted that the influx of Myanmar nationals in the state has increased after the recent rebel attacks in Myanmar and the process of collection of biometric details of the Myanmar refugees has been going on for the past few months. Only the recent influx of around 4,363 Myanmar nationals in the state's Kamjong district has not been officially confirmed yet.

The Manipur government authorities recording biometric details of the alleged Myanmar refugees. (Image Source: Special Arrangement)

Amidst the ongoing ethnic conflict in Maniour, the reported substantial and continuous influx of mainly Chin community refugees raises concerns, prompting the Manipur government to monitor the situation closely. Acknowledging the humanitarian aspect, state Chief Minister N Biren Singh emphasised the need to regulate this influx, ensuring that while shelter is to be provided on humanitarian grounds, the establishment of illegal settlements is to be prevented through mandatory biometric recordings and monitoring by the government officials, the release said.

The release further said that the reported influx of Myanmar nationals, seeking refuge in Manipur’s Kamjong district, presents a complex humanitarian challenge amid the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state. As efforts continue to provide shelter and necessities to these refugees from Myanmar, the state government’s vigilance in regulating and monitoring the situation remains crucial to maintaining law and order while addressing the needs of those seeking sanctuary.

The writer is a senior independent journalist covering the Northeast.

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