Explanation Sought From Assam Rifles On Entry Of 718 Myanmar Nationals Within Two Days

The Manipur government has requested a detailed report from the Assam Rifles regarding the entry of 718 Myanmar nationals into India without proper travel documents.

This request was made in response to the events that occurred on July 22 and 23.

The Home Department issued a statement on Monday (July 24) expressing concern over how these individuals were allowed to enter the country.

The significance of this statement lies in the fact that it questions the role of the Assam Rifles in allowing over 700 Myanmar nationals to enter India within a span of just two days. This is particularly concerning given the ongoing tensions in Manipur due to the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and the Kuki tribe.

The state government indicates that it wants to understand how such a large number of individuals were able to enter the country under the watch of the Assam Rifles.

Reportedly, there is a growing concern among the state government that these new arrivals from Myanmar may have brought along arms and ammunition. Given the lack of proper travel documents, there is no way to ascertain whether such items were indeed brought into India, according to reports by the NDTV.

According to a statement by the Manipur Home Department, on July 23, 718 refugees crossed the Indo-Myanmar border and entered Manipur through the Chandel district. These individuals were fleeing the ongoing clashes at Khampat.

The statement was confirmed on Monday (July 24) by the Headquarters 28 Sector Assam Rifles.

This comes even as the Manipur government had earlier informed the Assam Rifles, the border-guarding force, to take strict action in preventing the entry of Myanmar nationals to Manipur without valid visa or travel documents.

This instruction was given in accordance with the directions of the Home Ministry, as stated by Manipur Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi.

The Chief Secretary has said that the state government considers the recent illegal entry of 718 refugees with great seriousness and sensitivity. It recognizes the potential international implications, especially in light of the ongoing law and order issues, as mentioned in the government's statement.

In response to the situation, the Manipur government has requested a detailed report from the Assam Rifles authority. Additionally, the government has advised the immediate pushback of these illegal Myanmar nationals.

To address the matter, the government has directed the Chandel district deputy commissioner and the superintendent of police to investigate and also record the biometrics and photographs of the Myanmar nationals.

Manipur is making gradual progress towards returning to a state of normalcy, although it still faces a significant journey to achieve full recovery. The ethnic violence that erupted on May 3 has tragically claimed the lives of more than 150 individuals.

Additionally, the conflict has resulted in the internal displacement of thousands of people.