Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam has informed the state Assembly that 24,475 illegal immigrants have been detected in the state, with 9,453 still staying in temporary shelters. The minister provided the figures while responding to a question raised by Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar Singh during the ongoing Assembly session.
According to the minister, 14,992 people have returned to neighbouring Myanmar, while the remaining individuals are staying in different locations, mainly in border districts. However, he did not specify the period over which the immigrants were detected.
As the gatekeeper of our nation's eastern border, adjacent to the infamous Golden Triangle (Dead Triangle)—one of the world's most notorious drug trade routes—I have a responsibility to protect our country from the scourge of drugs. With about 1.5 lakh youths affected by drugs in… pic.twitter.com/v1wH2L1EED
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) August 31, 2024
The highest number was recorded in Chandel district, where 14,370 people were detected. Of them, 9,600 have reportedly returned to Myanmar, while 4,770 remain in the district. Biometric details of 1,308 people among those staying there have been collected.
In Kamjong district, 6,545 illegal immigrants were detected. The minister said 5,378 have returned to Myanmar, while 1,167 are staying in temporary shelters.
In Tengnoupal district, 3,560 people were detected, but only 14 have returned to Myanmar. The remaining 3,546 are currently staying in the district under official supervision.
The figures have renewed attention on illegal immigration and border management in Manipur. The state government is continuing measures to identify, document and monitor those who entered without valid documents, particularly in districts bordering Myanmar.