The growing influx of Myanmar refugees into six Maring Naga villages in Manipur’s Tengnoupal district has sparked significant unease among local residents.
The Maring Students’ Union (MSU) has raised alarms, claiming the increasing number of refugees could outnumber the indigenous population.
According to the MSU, around 1,428 Myanmar nationals, with documented biometric details, have sought refuge in villages including Saibol, Moirengthel, Chanringphai, Lamlong Khunou, Choktong, and Satang.
These individuals fled their homeland amid violent clashes between Myanmar’s ruling junta and democratic reform advocates.
While acknowledging the refugees' plight, the MSU warned that their presence could permanently alter the villages' demographics, disrupting the delicate balance of local life.
The issue gained prominence after Naga People’s Front (NPF) MLA Leishiyo Keishing expressed similar concerns in a letter to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, highlighting local insecurities over the demographic shift.
In response, BJP MLA Paolienlal Haokip acknowledged the refugee situation but emphasized the need for balanced attention across all affected communities, not just Kuki villages.
Contrary to the MSU's claims, the Assam Rifles, tasked with guarding the Indo-Myanmar border, denied allegations of illegal settlements, confirming only temporary refugee accommodations in basic shelters and assuring ongoing repatriation efforts as security improves.
Additionally, the Rilram Area Maring Organisation (RAMO) refuted allegations of intimidation and misleading reports, asserting their cooperation with local authorities to monitor the situation.
Meanwhile, several Naga civil bodies in Manipur have urged Home Minister Amit Shah to expedite the repatriation of what they term “illegal Myanmar immigrants,” following visits to the affected border areas.
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