The Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MMTU) has expressed deep concern regarding illegal immigration in Manipur ahead of the national census, urging vigilance from civil society organizations and the public. MMTU Secretary Takhellambam Parijat Meitei addressed this issue at the Manipuripur Press Club, highlighting a consistent influx of illegal immigrants over recent years. He indicated that many migrants have settled throughout the state, posing a serious threat to the indigenous population’s interests. Parijat alleged that certain political leaders have tacitly permitted this migration to bolster their electoral support.
As the Government of India prepares to initiate the census in April, the MMTU sees this as an opportunity to identify illegal immigrants residing in the state. There is a strong emphasis on the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), citing the 1951 register as a foundational measure to verify residents’ statuses. Parijat cautioned that conducting census and delimitation without accurate population data could lead to adverse political consequences for indigenous communities. He raised fears that if the Meitei people are excluded from the Scheduled Tribe list, they could face heightened political marginalization.
Furthermore, Parijat noted significant illegal immigration from neighboring countries such as Myanmar and Bangladesh between 1971 and 2011. He revealed that some migrants have been classified as “Any Kuki Tribe” under administrative categories, facilitating the establishment of new villages through traditional chieftainship systems in the hill areas. The MMTU emphasizes the urgency of this situation, calling on civil society organizations, community leaders, and the public to acknowledge the critical nature of the issue and collaborate to protect the political, social, and economic future of the indigenous communities in Manipur.