Imphal: Of the 5,801 undocumented migrants from Myanmar detected in Manipur‘s Kamjong district, 15 have died due to natural causes, 359 have voluntarily returned to Myanmar, and the remaining 5,457 are currently residing in the district.
The surge in migration to Manipur is attributed to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, as stated in an official press release on Sunday.
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These 5,457 migrants are being housed in eight designated camps situated away from local communities to avoid integration issues.
Management and upkeep of these camps are primarily overseen by local village committees, with ration supplies provided by the District Administration. The migrants have been issued identity cards by the District Administration, and headcounts are conducted every other day.
According to reports, many migrants express a desire to return to Myanmar to participate in the ongoing cultivation season, but recent incidents of bombings by the Myanmar military have instilled fear, causing hesitation among the migrant population.
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The Kamjong District Administration and Police have taken immediate measures, including biometric registration, camp security enhancements, and provision of humanitarian aid.
Following a meeting chaired by the Manipur Chief Secretary on May 10, 2024, regarding the situation in Kamjong district, it was decided to promptly capture and upload biometric data for 284 undocumented migrants whose information was yet to be recorded.
Additionally, the district administration will conduct a re-verification of all migrants in designated camps as soon as possible. The Police Department will reinforce security measures in the district, particularly around the camps. Deportation of illegal migrants back to Myanmar will occur once the situation stabilizes in the country.
The state government has taken further action by forming a Special Police Team to identify new migrant settlements and conduct biometric registrations.
Nodal Officers have been appointed in five bordering districts—Ukhrul, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Chandel, and Churachandpur—to monitor illegal migration and ensure timely reporting to the Ministry of Home Affairs.