The All Manipur Students’ Union (AMSU) has cautioned that failure to take decisive action against illegal immigration in Manipur could pose a serious demographic threat, urging the government to act without delay.
Speaking at an academic campaign held at Nawa Sindamshang in Thoubal Kshetri Leikai, AMSU Secretary General Salam Changkhonba stated that continued influx of illegal immigrants from different directions has become a growing concern, and warned that the indigenous population could face adverse consequences if the issue remains unaddressed.
The programme was organised as part of the ongoing “Realisation Month” observance, marking the historic “Go Back Foreigners” movement launched by AMSU in 1980. The observance also commemorates two student leaders who lost their lives during the agitation. As part of the campaign, poster drives were conducted in various parts of Thoubal district.
Changkhonba stated that illegal immigration has persisted over the years, with many individuals reportedly entering the state from neighbouring Myanmar. He alleged that the ongoing crisis since May 3, 2023 has also been linked to the influx of Chin-Kuki narco-terror groups, a matter which, he claimed, is widely known.
Recalling the 1980 movement, he said AMSU had launched the agitation after recognising the risks posed by unchecked immigration, which he alleged has led to various social, economic, and political challenges in the state. He further stated that the failure of the government to take timely action at the time resulted in the loss of two student leaders.
He also pointed out that AMSU had submitted memorandums to both the Government of India and the Manipur government in 1980 and 1994, demanding effective measures to identify and deport illegal immigrants. However, he said the issue remains unresolved.
Stating that the situation continues to persist, Changkhonba said AMSU has intensified its campaign by mobilising students and the public to raise awareness and press for concrete action.
He further expressed concern over the ongoing move to conduct the Census, warning that carrying out the exercise without addressing illegal immigration could lead to distorted population data and create further complications.
Maintaining that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) should be implemented prior to the Census, he cautioned that AMSU would strongly oppose any attempt to proceed with the Census without first resolving the issue of illegal immigration.