IMPHAL: The growing influx of Myanmar refugees into six Maring Naga villages in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district has stirred unease among the local residents.
The Maring Students’ Union (MSU) has raised an alarm, asserting that their rising influx could outnumber the indigenous inhabitants.
According to MSU’s statement, approximately 1,428 Myanmar nationals, whose biometric details have been documented, have sought sanctuary in villages such as Saibol, Moirengthel, Chanringphai, Lamlong Khunou, Choktong, and Satang.
These individuals fled their homeland amidst clashes between Myanmar’s ruling junta and proponents of democratic reform.
While acknowledging the plight of these displaced individuals, MSU warned that this could irreversibly alter the demography of the villages, disrupting the delicate balance of village life.
The issue came to light after Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA Leishiyo Keishing previously highlighted similar concerns in a letter to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, citing insecurity among locals due to the alleged demographic shift caused by the refugees.
Responding to these claims, BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip acknowledged the presence of refugees but highlighted the need for equitable attention across all affected communities, not solely focusing on Kuki villages.
Contrary to MSU’s assertions, the Assam Rifles, responsible for guarding the Indo-Myanmar border in the region, denied allegations of illegal settlements but confirmed the temporary accommodation of refugees in basic shelters.
They assured that repatriation efforts are underway as security conditions improve along the border.
In a separate development, the Rilram Area Maring Organisation (RAMO) countered allegations of intimidation and misleading reports, asserting their role in monitoring the situation in collaboration with local authorities.
Meanwhile, several Naga civil bodies and organisations in Manipur have urged Home Minister Amit Shah to expedite the repatriation of what they term “illegal Myanmar immigrants,” following their visit to the affected border areas.
