Manipur: MSU concerned as Myanmar refugees allegedly “outnumber” locals in border villages

Guwahati: The Maring Students’ Union (MSU) has expressed concern over a growing number of Myanmar refugees residing in Maring Naga villages along the border with Myanmar in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district.

The MSU claims that over 1,400 refugees, whose biometric data has been collected, now outnumber locals in six villages.

This has caused anxiety among residents, especially with ongoing ethnic tensions in the state, the organisation claimed.

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These concerns echo those raised by an NPF MLA in May, who highlighted a similar situation in the Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

However, BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip previously argued that the government’s focus has been on Kuki villages, downplaying the issue in other areas.

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The MSU’s statement comes after the Rilram Area Maring Organisation (RAMO) reported refugees building houses without informing authorities. The Assam Rifles, responsible for border security, refuted these claims, stating refugees are only offered temporary shelter due to the conflict and are repatriated when safe.

They added that the administration was aware of the refugees and had collected their biometric data.