Manipur Leader Says Myanmar’s “Illegal People” Will Be Sent Back

There are strong demands from Meitei groups to take action against the Kuki minority people. Manipur’s Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has promised the majority Meitei people that all “illegal people” from the neighboring country Myanmar will be sent back following the law. He said illegal migration over the years has caused big changes in the state’s population. Some districts saw very high population growth due to people coming from conflict-affected Myanmar.

Too Many People Concern

According to Singh, data shows that the population in certain districts has increased at a very high rate, much higher than the state’s average growth. He blamed this big difference on illegal migrants coming from Myanmar, which shares a border with Manipur that is easy to cross. The CM’s words come as tensions rise between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The Meiteis accuse the Kukis of giving shelter to immigrants from Myanmar.

Old Issues

The conflict between Meiteis and Kukis has very antique roots, stemming from problems over land possession, identity, and self-rule. The Meiteis, who are the bulk within the Imphal Valley, have frequently accused the Kukis of taking on their land and weakening their cultural identity. The Kukis, residing generally within the nation’s hill districts, have wanted greater self-rule and popularity in their wonderful ethnic identity.

Crackdown Demands

In recent weeks, several Meitei organizations have increased their demands for tough action against the Kuki community. They accuse the Kukis of giving shelter to illegal immigrants from Myanmar. These groups have claimed that the influx of immigrants has changed the population balance in the state, threatening the Meitei way of life.