Manipur Crisis Caused By Illegal Immigration From Neigbouring Nations: CM Biren Singh To News18

Last Updated:November 19, 2024, 23:38 IST

In the exclusive interview, he also said that the massive influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries had led to a severe demographic imbalance and a drug menace in Manipur

Before the BJP came to power, Biren Singh said, no one paid attention to the over 300 kilometres of unguarded border with Myanmar. File pic/PTI

N Biren Singh, chief minister of trouble-torn Manipur, told CNN-News18 in an exclusive interview on Tuesday that the primary reason for the crisis is the illegal immigration from neighbouring countries, the increasing number of unnamed villages, and mass deforestation by these immigrants.

“It was unfortunate that my house was attacked," he said. “This happened due to a misunderstanding and a politically motivated agenda. However, the situation has improved."

Congress leader P Chidambaram in a post on social media site X said that “the Meitei, the Kuki-Zo and the Naga can live together in one state only if they have genuine regional autonomy", while blaming the CM for the crisis.

“Chidambaram blamed me for this, but when he was the home minister, he visited Manipur and signed an agreement with a person from Myanmar that opened the doors for Myanmar’s people to come to India," Singh told CNN-News18.

Before the BJP came to power, he said, no one paid attention to the over 300 kilometres of unguarded border with Myanmar.

“Most people aren’t delving deep into the root causes of the current crisis. Some are trying to capitalise on the situation for political gain, while others are fueling internal strife," Singh said.

The massive influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries has led to a severe demographic imbalance and a drug menace in Manipur, he claimed.

“Those who understand the ground reality will support the indigenous people of Manipur. These indigenous people are becoming a minority," Singh said. “As the chief minister, my primary concern is the well-being of my people."

The opposition will say anything to gain political advantage, he alleged. “They want to create instability. Both the Prime Minister and the home minister are closely monitoring the situation. They are playing petty politics," Singh said. “I was the first to unite all the tribal and valley people. I also opened a museum dedicated to the 34 tribes of Manipur."

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