News Reporter
New Police Stations and Outposts Planned in Border Areas
In a significant development, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh disclosed that over 10,000 illegal immigrants have been identified in the state over the past five years. This announcement came during the 6th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, in response to a query by Congress MLA Okram Surjakumar Singh.
Identification and Verification Drive
Chief Minister Biren Singh revealed that a committee was formed following a government order issued on March 24 last year, tasked with conducting a verification drive to identify illegal immigrants in Churachandpur, Chandel, Tengnoupal, Kamjong, and Pherzawl districts. Prior to the current crisis, this committee detected 2,480 illegal immigrants from Myanmar.
Border Fencing Initiatives
The central government has initiated the fencing of the Indo-Myanmar border, with border fencing work already in progress. A total of 9.214 km of border fencing has been completed between border pillars 79 to 81. The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved 120 km of border fencing in Manipur, with a proposal for an additional 80 km. Sanctioned physical work has commenced on a stretch of 21.86 km.
District-wise Distribution of Illegal Immigrants
The district-wise distribution of the identified illegal immigrants includes:
- Imphal West: 11
- Imphal East: 1
- Bishnupur: 1
- Thoubal: 1
- Kakching: 6
- Churachandpur: 150
- Chandel: 1,895
- Tengnoupal: 2,406
- Ukhrul: 3
- Kangpokpi: 2
- Kamjong: 6,199
Government's Vigilance Measures
To combat the influx of illegal immigrants, the district police are conducting mobile frisking and checks in vulnerable areas. Plans are underway to establish six police stations and 34 police outposts in border areas. Civil and police nodal officers have been appointed in five border districts to monitor and check illegal immigration.
Detentions and Deportations
Approximately 85 illegal immigrants have been deported, and 143 are currently held in a detention center. The state government has spent Rs 85.55 lakh on the maintenance of detainees in the center.
Chief Minister Biren Singh's comprehensive plan aims to enhance border security and manage the issue of illegal immigration effectively. The state's ongoing efforts, coupled with central government support, are crucial steps toward maintaining peace and security in Manipur.