Manipur resumes biometric capture campaign for illegal Myanmar migrants

In the wake of escalating violence in Manipur and concerns over illegal immigration, the state government has resumed its campaign for biometric capture of all undocumented Myanmar immigrants. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a directive, instructing the state government to complete the campaign by September 2023.

The Manipur government stated that a team from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), deputed by the MHA, is now assisting state government employees in conducting the biometric capturing exercise. The campaign has begun at the Foreigners’ Detention Centre in Sajwa, Imphal East District, and will extend to all districts until the biometric data of all illegal Myanmar immigrants is successfully collected.

The move comes after Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh raised concerns about immigrants from Myanmar engaging in deforestation, poppy cultivation, and drug-related activities. Notably, in the past two years, 104 illegal immigrants, including 24 men, 74 women, and 6 minors, have been lodged in detention centers.

Additionally, the Manipur government had earlier questioned Assam Rifles regarding reports of 700 illegal immigrants entering Manipur in late July, with 718 individuals, including 301 children, crossing into Chandel district.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh emphasized the necessity of promptly returning these illegal immigrants to their home country to address the issue of “illegal immigration” into India.

The recent biometric data capture campaign, initiated on July 29, aims to ensure that foreign nationals do not obtain Indian citizenship through unfair means, safeguarding national security. To meet the MHA’s directive, a training and handholding program was conducted for all District Collectors (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) involved in the biometric capture process on July 26, 2023.

The Superintendents of Police are urged to commence the campaign immediately, with support from the NCRB team at the Foreigners’ Detention Centre in Sajiwa, Imphal East district.

Districts requiring additional training are encouraged to depute their officers to observe the biometric capturing process. With this determined effort, the Manipur government seeks to tackle the issue tactfully and ensure the completion of the campaign by the stipulated deadline.