CM Biren Singh says Manipur will ‘deport’ people who arrived after 1961

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that to identify illegal immigrants, those who entered the state and settled after 1961 will be identified and deported. However, some experts on Tuesday raised doubts about the feasibility of the move, following the chief minister’s announcement.

according to Press Trust News AgencyExperts say identifying illegal immigrants is a “welcome step” but deporting them will be difficult unless countries recognize them as genuine citizens.

The government’s decision comes in the light of ethnic violence that has hit the northeastern state since May last year. The government blames immigrants, some from neighboring Myanmar, for inciting the violence.

Speaking at the launch of the skill development program on Monday, Singh described the current situation in the region as a struggle for survival and cultural identity. He further stressed the urgency of resolving the national crisis.

“Those who entered and settled in the state after 1961, irrespective of caste and community, will be identified and deported,” Singh said while launching the Buniyad Plan.

The chief minister’s statement comes after the Manipur cabinet approved a proposal in June 2022 to use 1961 as the base year for determining the “aboriginal status” of residents of the state for the effective implementation of the Inner Line license.

Meanwhile, Naga leader and convener of Restoration of Peace Forum Arshan Kaushal expressed concern over the state government’s decision, saying the deportations cannot be done by the Manipur government alone. “Identification of immigrants is crucial. Those deemed illegal immigrants should not have the rights enjoyed by Aboriginal people. For example, they should not have the right to vote,” he added.

Notably, Manipur has been plagued by violence since ethnic clashes first broke out in May last year. More than 180 people have since been killed.

The Meiteis make up about 53% of Manipur’s population and live mainly in the Imphal Valley, while tribes including Nagas and Kukis make up 40% and live mainly in the mountains.

The conflict arose due to some grievances between the two sides towards the other, however, the spark of the crisis was the move to grant Scheduled Tribe status to the Maiteis, a status that was later revoked and an attempt to expel the tribes living in the Maiteis. Forest Reserve.

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