On Saturday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh emphasized the state government's vigilant approach towards the increasing presence of foreign refugees within Manipur. Speaking to the media following his participation in the Vijay Diwas celebrations at the 1st Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall in Imphal, the Chief Minister underscored the complexity of the situation in Myanmar, stating, "We cannot take what is happening in Myanmar easily."
Singh highlighted ongoing initiatives in the Kamjong and Ukhrul districts to gather biometric data on the refugees, a process supervised by the respective deputy commissioners. He urged security forces to prioritize areas like Behiang, situated along the Myanmar border, given reports of intense conflict in the neighboring country.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of establishing proper camps equipped with biometric technology and civil police teams in various border regions. The state has initiated the collection of biometrics to document the influx of refugees, revealing that over 6,000 migrants have been recorded in Manipur as of Saturday.
While acknowledging the need for humanitarian assistance to those fleeing violence in their home country, Singh affirmed the state's commitment to providing necessities such as medicines and tents. However, he stressed the importance of identifying and recording the refugees through biometric data collection to ensure a systematic approach. Singh clarified that the government's request for refugees not to establish villages in the state was aimed at maintaining order and preventing potential complications.
In essence, the Manipur Chief Minister highlighted the multifaceted nature of addressing the refugee situation, combining humanitarian aid with strategic measures like biometric data collection to manage and understand the influx of individuals seeking shelter within the state.
