The MHA has deputed a team from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to assist state government officials in this endeavour
Sanathoi Bachaspatimayum
Imphal : Amidst the ongoing violence and ethnic strife in Manipur, the state government has taken a significant step toward addressing the issue of illegal immigration from Myanmar.
Following a directive from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the government of Manipur has resumed its campaign for the biometric capture of all illegal Myanmar immigrants in the state. The MHA has deputed a team from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) to assist state government officials in this endeavour.
Peter Salam, Joint Secretary (Home Department, GoM) in a letter to the Superintendent of Police has directed that the campaign for capturing biometric data of illegal migrants in the state of Manipur is to be completed by the end of September 2023. In the letter, Peter Salam writes about a training cum handholding program for all the DCs and SPs on biometric capture to be organised by the Home Department on 26th July.
“All the Superintendents of Police of the districts are asked to immediately commence the campaign for biometric capture of illegal Myanmar immigrants in the State for timely completion by September 2023. The NBRC team which has been deputed by MHA for training and handholding of state government officers, will assist and guide in the biometric capture exercise to be conducted at Foreigners’ Detention Centre, Sajiwa, Imphai, East district on July 29, 2023.” the letter stated.
The urgency of the campaign is evident as the Manipur government seeks to identify and address the presence of illegal immigrants from Myanmar. The state’s Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, had also accused these immigrants of engaging in activities like deforestation, poppy cultivation, and drug menace, further emphasizing the need for prompt action. Reports of 700 plus illegal immigrants entering Manipur in July have also further intensified the concern.
The GoM also plans to extend the campaign to all districts until biometric data of all illegal Myanmar immigrants in the state are successfully captured. The joint efforts of NCRB and state government officials are expected to yield positive results in achieving the campaign’s objectives.
