BJP MLA and former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has urged the state government to publicly disclose updated figures on the biometric enrolment of individuals identified as illegal immigrants, invoking Mizoram’s ongoing exercise to question the need for greater transparency in Manipur.
In a post on X on Tuesday, Biren called on the state Home Department to regularly publish details of biometric data collected, including the number of individuals identified and verified as illegal immigrants.
His intervention came a day after the Mizoram government reportedly announced that biometric enrolment of Myanmar refugees taking shelter in the state had reached its final phase.
Citing Mizoram’s exercise as an example of vigilance, Biren said the neighbouring state had demonstrated the importance of monitoring the influx of illegal immigrants and taking measures to protect its interests.
“This is not about politics. It is about national security, safeguarding our borders and protecting the future of our people,” he wrote.
He argued that regular disclosure of biometric enrolment figures would strengthen public confidence and demonstrate the government’s commitment to safeguarding Manipur’s security and the interests of its indigenous communities.
The demand comes against the backdrop of the Manipur government’s earlier disclosure on the issue. Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas had informed the state Assembly in August that 24,475 illegal immigrants from Myanmar had been detected in Manipur.
However, Biren’s latest statement seeks updated figures on the biometric data collected and the number of individuals identified and verified, raising the question of whether the government will make such information available periodically.
His intervention is significant as Biren, despite no longer being Chief Minister, continues to be a BJP legislator in the ruling party’s political fold.