718 Myanmar nationals sneak into Manipur, state govt asks Assam Rifles to ‘push them back’

New Delhi: While Manipur remains on the edge over spate of ethnic violence for over two months, reports claim that over 700 Myanmar nationals sneaked into the state’s Chandel district.

The Assam Rifles recently informed the Chandel Deputy Commissioner that 718 Myanmar refugees had crossed the India-Myanmar border and entered the district on July 22-23, owing to the unrest & violence in their country.

Manipur government has now instructed the Assam Rifles to push the illegal immigrants back into their country and also asked the latter, how they were allowed to enter the country & state without ‘valid documents’.

Manipur Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, in a written communication on July 24, has sought explanation from the Assam Rifles highlighting on its ‘international ramificaitons’ and has also directed Chandel police officials to keep record of biometrics & photographs of all the illegal immigrants.

The illegal influx of Myanmar nationals in Manipur raises serious questions as the state has already been battling to contain two-month long ethnic violence between two communities – Kukis, who dominate hilly regions & Meitei, who comprise majority in valley.

The state, which remained on a boil with numerous incidents of violence, may be slowly returning to normal but the recent ‘leak’ of videos showing two women subjected to mob brutality led to fresh uproar & furore. Till date, more than 100 people are said to have perished in the ethnic violence while more than 60,000 people are said to be displaced & forced to abandon their houses for their life.

According to reports, the illegal intrusion of Myanmar nationals and their inhabitation in the state over the years is one of the reasons behind recent clashes.