The Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MMTU) has raised concern over the issue of illegal immigration in the state ahead of the upcoming national census, urging civil society organizations and the public to remain alert.
Addressing media persons at the Manipuripur Press Club, MMTU Secretary (Organization) Takhellambam Parijat Meitei alleged that a steady influx of illegal immigrants into the state has been taking place over the past several years. According to him, many of these migrants have reportedly settled in different parts of the state, which he described as a serious concern for the indigenous population.
He further claimed that some political leaders have allegedly allowed such migration to continue in order to strengthen their vote banks during elections.
Referring to the census proposed by the Government of India, which is expected to begin in April, Parijat said the exercise could provide an opportunity to identify and detect illegal immigrants residing in the state.
He also stressed the need for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), referring to the base year of the 1951 National Register of Citizens, as a possible mechanism to verify the status of residents.
The MMTU leader warned that conducting census and delimitation exercises based on inaccurate population data could have long-term political implications for the indigenous communities. He observed that if the Meitei people are not included in the Scheduled Tribe list, they may face increasing political marginalization in the future.
Parijat also alleged that between 1971 and 2011, a number of illegal immigrants from neighboringneighboring countries such as Myanmar and Bangladesh have entered India and gradually settled in different regions, including the hill areas of Manipur.
He further claimed that some migrants have reportedly been included under the administrative category of “Any Kuki Tribe,” and through traditional chieftainship systems, new villages have been established in certain hill areas.
Stressing the urgency of the matter, the MMTU urged civil society organizations,organizations, community leaders,leaders, and the public to recognize the seriousness of the issue and work collectively to safeguard the political, social, and economic future of the indigenous communities of Manipur.
