Imphal: The Manipur legislative assembly has resolved to investigate the influx of over 10,500 illegal immigrants from Myanmar.
This decision was made during the morning session of the Manipur assembly on Tuesday (August 06).
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh proposed the formation of a House Committee to scrutinize the immigration issue at the state’s borders.
The proposal received support from the opposition leader and former Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh.
The discussion arose in response to a Calling Attention Motion by MLA Leishiyo Keishing of the Phungyar constituency.
Keishing stated that 6199 of the 10,675 detected illegal immigrants in Manipur over the past five years are residing in his constituency, located in the Kamjong district.
Keishing expressed concerns that these immigrants, sheltered in government facilities within his constituency, have begun to integrate with local indigenous tribes.
Reports of inter-tribal marriages between the local population and the immigrants have emerged in recent months.
He urged the Manipur government to provide support and assistance to ensure a secure future for the regional and indigenous communities.
Addressing the assembly, Manipur chief minister Biren Singh attributed the influx to the ongoing unrest in Myanmar.
He warned that villagers found providing shelter to illegal immigrants would face legal consequences, although he noted that refugees are currently being accommodated on humanitarian grounds.