Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh has urged the Central Government to expedite the construction of fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, describing the frontier as one of the region’s most critical security and humanitarian concerns.
Addressing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Singh said the ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar has led to a significant influx of people into Manipur’s border districts, creating multiple challenges for the state.
He noted that the arrival of large numbers of people has placed tremendous pressure on local resources and administrative systems, while also affecting the demographic balance in several border areas.
“The continuing conflict in Myanmar has created serious administrative, humanitarian and law-enforcement challenges for Manipur,” the Chief Minister said.
Singh also expressed concern over the misuse of the porous international border by transnational criminal networks. According to him, the border has been exploited by drug traffickers, arms smugglers supplying weapons to non-state actors, and groups involved in human trafficking and other illegal activities.
Welcoming the Union Home Ministry’s initiative to construct a border fence, Singh described the project as a long-awaited and essential step toward strengthening national security.
He urged the Centre to complete the fencing project on a priority basis along the entire Manipur-Myanmar border.
The Chief Minister further advocated a comprehensive border management strategy that includes regulated border crossings, modern surveillance systems, additional border outposts, improved road connectivity and focused development programmes for border communities.
“A regulated border regime is crucial for ensuring long-term security and stability along the frontier,” he said.
Speaking about the internal situation in Manipur, Singh said his government inherited a challenging environment and has been working steadily to restore peace, rebuild trust among communities and promote reconciliation.
He highlighted his visits to relief camps in Jiribam and Imphal, where he met displaced families and community leaders.
Referring to Jiribam as a symbol of hope, Singh said it is the first district where Meitei, Kuki, Paite and Hmar communities have come together on a common platform for peace and reconciliation.
The Chief Minister also informed the NEC that the state government, with support from the Centre, has been implementing various humanitarian measures for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) have been provided to affected families since November 2025.
He further stated that phased resettlement of displaced families has begun under the Rs 2,523-crore Resettlement and Rehabilitation Package. The package includes additional financial assistance of Rs 21.70 lakh per house for nearly 7,000 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
Besides border security and rehabilitation efforts, Singh highlighted the state’s anti-drug campaign and ongoing initiatives to address climate change-related challenges.
