On January 12, N Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, made a pivotal announcement. He stated that individuals who arrived in the state after 1961, which is established as the base year for the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, would be identified and deported. This declaration follows his admission of the presence of over 12,000 refugees from Myanmar across various districts in Manipur. Singh highlighted his concerns regarding illegal immigrants, especially the Chun Kuki tribes from neighboring countries, who are residing in the state without valid documentation.

He firmly stated, “irrespective of caste or community, anyone coming into the State after 1961 which is the base year for Inner Line Permit System will be identified and deported.”

The day after Manipur's Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, announced the identification and deportation of those who entered and settled in the state post-1961, there were mixed reactions. Experts on the following Tuesday voiced their concerns regarding the practicality of such a measure.

While the initiative to identify illegal immigrants was welcomed, the experts pointed out that the deportation process could encounter significant hurdles. Specifically, the difficulty lies in whether the countries of origin for these immigrants are willing to accept them back as their citizens, highlighting a potential diplomatic and logistical challenge in implementing the deportation plan.

Since May of the previous year, Manipur, a state in the northeastern part of India, has been experiencing severe ethnic conflicts. The state's government has pointed fingers at some immigrants from Myanmar, accusing them of inciting disturbances.

During the inauguration of 'Project Buniyaad' on Monday, the Chief Minister reiterated his stance. He declared, "Those who entered and settled in the state after 1961, irrespective of castes and communities, would be identified and deported."

This firm stance from the Chief Minister followed a significant decision by the Manipur cabinet in June 2022. They agreed to set the year 1961 as the criterion for defining the "native status" of the state's inhabitants. This move was aimed at the efficient application of the Inner Line Permit (IPP) system.

Pradip Phanjoubam, a well-known political analyst, discussed the challenges of deporting illegal immigrants with the news agency PTI. He highlighted a significant hurdle, stating, "In order to deport illegal immigrants, the foreign country concerned must accept them as their bonafide citizens. If the foreign country does not recognise the immigrants as their citizens, how will they be deported?"

The Chief Minister of Manipur attributed the recent surge in violence within the state to the drug mafia and illegal migrants, focusing particularly on refugees from Myanmar. He stressed the importance of the year 1961 as the benchmark for the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Manipur. This system was originally established during the British era through the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation in 1873 but was discontinued in 1950. However, in response to widespread protests, it was reintroduced by the Central Government in December 2019.

Since May 2023, Manipur has been struggling with ethnic violence, which has been exacerbated by terror organizations operating out of Myanmar and drug trafficking networks along the border. The Chief Minister, alongside the Governor of Manipur, has frequently cited the involvement of drug syndicates and militant groups from Myanmar as significant factors in the ongoing unrest. The state is facing a critical challenge due to the unregulated entry of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, further complicated by the Free Movement Regime at the border.

Despite the government's efforts to halt the flow of migrants by abolishing the Free Movement Regime and sealing the border, illegal entry continues, leading to an identity crisis among the native Manipuri population. The Chief Minister's announcement regarding the expulsion of unauthorized entrants has been well-received by Meitei groups. However, there is apprehension about how the Chin Kuki community might react to this decision.

During the launch of Project Buniyaad – Atma Nirbharta Ka Aadhar in Imphal, Chief Minister N Biren Singh spoke about the importance of achieving peace in Manipur. Project Buniyaad is a skill development program focusing on hospitality management, created through a partnership between the Honda India Foundation, the Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission, and the Visan Foundation. This project aims to provide job opportunities for the unemployed youth from underprivileged backgrounds, thereby aiding in the socio-economic upliftment and ensuring the stability of the region.

🚨 #KukiZoNarcoTerrorists attacking & charging towards Meitei Volunteers who were trying to destroy a huge poppy plantations at Satang Area Manipur.They r ready to Live & Die for their beloved"Flower of Devil". @NBirenSingh @AmitShah ji please act now before it splay everywhere. pic.twitter.com/VvONfvsB8H — Kanglei Yelhaomee (@yelhaomee) February 12, 2024

Refugee #KukiMilitants, responsible for #MANIPUR_VIOLENCE are annihilating #Meiteis with bombs and other sophisticated weapons. Why are State and Central governments still hesitating to take action against these terrorists under SoO? Aren't they violating SoO's ground rules? pic.twitter.com/bsk4NDn3r8 — Deepika92 (@LaishramDeepika) February 14, 2024

🚨Here is the difference! Video 1: #KukiZoNarcoTerrorists child soldier reinforcement heading towards Poukhao Manipur to attack Meitei villages! Video 2:Meitei Children under Attacked while playing FOOTBALL at Poukhao! #KukiAtrocities@AmitShah @htTweets @NELiveTV @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/0Rz0Asm1Zw — Kanglei Yelhaomee (@yelhaomee) February 13, 2024

The crisis we are facing today is one of struggle for existence, survival, and identity: CM N. Biren Singh on the violence in Manipur

The Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, has expressed that the state is currently engaged in a critical fight for existence and identity, highlighting the severity of the issues at hand.

During the inauguration of a skill development program in Imphal on February 12, Mr. Singh underscored the urgency of tackling the state's predicament. He stated, "We are passing through troubled times. The crisis we are facing today is one of struggle for existence, survival, and identity. The properties and identity, inherited over centuries, have now become insecure due to the lack of vision of certain politicians. Our generation is insecure today, so the Government is working to make your future secure," emphasizing the government's commitment to safeguarding the future amidst ongoing challenges.

Mr. Singh brought attention to a social media post by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which announced the cancellation of the India-Myanmar Free Movement Regime (FMR). He emphasized this action as crucial for tackling internal security and demographic issues within the country.

He elaborated that the government's initiatives, such as erecting fences and ending the FMR, are designed to create a safe and secure environment for future generations, aiming to halt illegal immigration and prevent drug smuggling and arms trafficking. "The insecurity we have today will not be faced by the generations to come. That is why we are bearing all the criticisms," he remarked, indicating the government's readiness to face criticism to ensure long-term security.

During the inauguration of the Honda India Foundation's project 'Buniyaad - Aatmanirbharta Ka Adhaar,’ Mr. Singh expressed his appreciation for the foundation's decision to include Manipur in their project. He commended the residents of the state for their gentleness, discipline, and cleanliness.

Vinay Dhingra, a trustee of the foundation, shared his vision for the project, stating, "With Project Buniyaad, we envision a brighter future for the youth of Manipur where learning knows no bounds and opportunities are limitless. It is our sincere belief that by investing in skill development, we are investing in self and societal development." This statement underscores the project's commitment to fostering skill development and opening new opportunities for the youth of Manipur.