Naga CSOs urge Centre to repatriate Myanmar citizens, withdraw Assam Riffles from its areas

DIMAPUR — Naga civil society organisations (CSOs) in Manipur have submitted a memorandum to Home Minister Amir Shah, requesting the Centre to repatriate illegal immigrants/fugitives from Myanmar to their country and withdraw the Assam Rifles personnel along the Indo-Myanmar borders, in and around Kamjong areas in Manipur.

The CSOs comprising United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women’s Union (NWU), All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM) and the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights – South (NPMHR-S), submitted the memorandum dated June 14, 2024 through the governor of Manipur.

Stating the representation was made following “fact-finding visits to Indo-Myanmar border areas” on May 23 and 24, the CSOs claimed the fugitives from Myanmar who have been temporarily taking refuge in Kamjong areas November last year aftermath the political upheaval in the neighbouring country are created unbearable hardships to the villagers of the areas.

“At stake is the survival of the down trodden population, triggering series of adverse impacts to the livelihood, security and wellbeing of the native inhabitants. The inmates being sheltered in 8 (eight) Tangkhul Naga villages numbering about 5457 have outnumbered the local residents,” it read.

“Increasing activities of anti-social elements is becoming unbearable with no law enforcing agencies to effectively control the same and foreign culture have overwhelmed the native customary practices due to sheer population imbalances,” it added.

While stating that information of 5173 persons had been recorded via biometric, it claimed the number fluctuates and their dubious activities have become a cause of concern, indicating that their prolonged stay would be detrimental to the wellbeing of people in nearby villages.

While expressing their heartfelt sympathy to the plight of the fugitives, the CSOs which had extended help to them, urged the Centre to explore ways to safely allow them to return their homes now that violence has subsided.

The CSOs also expressed concern over ‘massive Military mobilisation exercises being conducted along the Indo-Myanmar border and the belligerent attitude of the military personnel operating there despite the Indo-Naga Ceasefire agreement since 1997’.

While lamenting Naga villages being made a turf for war preparedness, the Naga civil bodies said the presence of men in combat camouflage on pretext of curbing movement of illegal refugees and unlawful activities is causing a fear psychosis among the villagers.

Movement of huge military trucks/lorries at odd hours across the borders disturb peace and tranquillity of the villagers, which amounts to violation of human rights, the CSOs said, adding that the trading community has also being affected.