IMPHAL: The initial phase of deporting “illegal immigrants” from Myanmar has been successfully completed in the Northeast state of Manipur.

This was informed by Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Thursday (May 02).

“First phase of deportation of illegal immigrants from Myanmar completed today,” said Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Thursday (May 02).

38 “illegal immigrants” exited the country via the Moreh checkpoint in Manipur along the Myanmar border.

“Without any discrimination, we have completed the first phase of deportation of illegal immigrants from Myanmar with 38 more immigrants leaving Manipur, India today through Moreh,” he said.

During the handover of the “illegal immigrants”, one Indian national was also repatriated from Myanmar.

“One Indian national was also brought back from Myanmar during the handover ceremony,” the Manipur CM added.

Also read: Manipur violence: Bunkers destroyed, arms recovered in Jiribam

A total of 77 illegal immigrants were deported to Myanmar from Manipur, during the first phase of the deportation process.

“A total of 77 illegal immigrants have been deported in the first phase,” said CM Biren Singh.

The Manipur CM further said that the state government is continuing the “identification of illegal immigrants and at the same time biometric data are being recorded”.

“Let’s keep our borders and country secure,” said Manipur CM N Biren Singh.

 Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh sounded alarm over “unnatural growth” of 996 new villages in the state, attributing it to illegal immigration.

Manipur CM N Biren Singh said that such “unnatural growth” of new villages due to “illegal immigration” poses threat to indigenous communities and national security.

Also read: Manipur CM raises alarm over surge in villages due to ‘illegal immigration’

The Manipur chief minister questioned: “Will anyone accept the unnatural growth of new villages and population, causing massive changes to the demography in their own state or country due to the influx of illegal immigrants?”

He claimed that the Northeast state of Manipur is confronting a “serious issue”, where several “new villages have emerged due to a massive influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar since 2006 till date”.

CM Biren Singh claimed that creation of new villages by “illegal immigrats” led to destruction of forest cover, “as well as carry out poppy plantations”.

The Manipur CM added: “Not to mention, these illegal immigrants have started encroaching on the resources, job opportunities, land, and the rights of indigenous people.”

“We have started collecting biometric data of the illegal immigrants as well as geotagging of their settlements. I appeal everyone in the country to support the government in keeping our nation safe and secure from illegal immigrants,” Manipur CM Biren Singh said.