Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Saturday that his government has formally requested the Union Home Ministry to revoke the free movement arrangement along the India-Myanmar border and expedite the border fencing project.
The free movement arrangement currently permits residents living near both sides of the India-Myanmar border to travel up to 16 km into each other's territory without requiring any documentation.
Addressing reporters, Chief Minister Singh emphasized that the government will continue to address the issue of "illegal immigration" and underscored the importance of fully fencing the India-Myanmar border.
He also mentioned that the Union Home Ministry has initiated the process of fencing approximately 60 km of the international border in Manipur.
Chief Minister Singh attributed the current situation to the unplanned policies of previous governments and clarified that it is not a direct result of any recent decisions.
"Our government has formally requested the Union Home Ministry to terminate the free movement agreement. Additionally, the border security forces have not been adequately positioned at the border. Instead of being stationed at the zero point, they have been found guarding the border 14-15 km inside Indian territory," he asserted.
He stressed the need to address genuine concerns in the state, including managing the influx of illegal immigrants, implementing welfare initiatives for internally displaced individuals, and combating extensive opium cultivation.
The state of Manipur has experienced significant ethnic violence since May 3, resulting in over 175 casualties and hundreds of injuries. The violence began with a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in the hill districts to protest against the demand for Scheduled Tribe status by the majority Meitei community. Meiteis account for approximately 53% of Manipur's population, mainly residing in the Imphal valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, makeup 40% of the population and primarily inhabit the hill districts.
There have been allegations that illegal immigrants from Myanmar played a role in the recent violence. Manipur shares a border of approximately 390 kilometres with Myanmar.
A Meitei organization has also claimed that the ongoing strife, which has lasted for over four months, is a result of tensions over issues such as deforestation, illicit opium poppy cultivation, and demographic changes in specific areas of the state, primarily caused by illegal immigrants from Myanmar. Furthermore, there are allegations of firearms being supplied to militants in Manipur from Myanmar.
