Special Correspondent
Senapati/ Ukhrul, April 5:
The United Naga Council (UNC) has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate national intervention to address what it described as the growing and alarming infiltration of illegal immigrants into Manipur and other Northeastern states.
The memorandum, submitted on April 4 in New Delhi, highlights deep concerns among indigenous communities regarding demographic changes, security implications, and socio-economic pressures allegedly caused by unchecked illegal migration in the region.
Signed by UNC President Ng. Lorho and General Secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, the representation acknowledged the Prime Minister’s firm public stance against illegal immigration during his visits to Assam. However, the Council expressed concern over what it termed a “perceived silence” on the issue during visits to other Northeastern states, particularly Manipur. The UNC stressed that a uniform national policy is essential to ensure fairness and safeguard indigenous populations across the entire Northeast.
According to the memorandum, the influx of illegal immigrants poses serious demographic, political, and economic challenges that could significantly impact upcoming census and delimitation exercises. The Council warned that any demographic imbalance may alter political representation and undermine the constitutional rights and identity of native communities.
Calling the matter urgent and sensitive, the UNC urged the Central Government to undertake decisive measures, including the identification and deportation of illegal immigrants through lawful procedures, provision of support and relief to affected indigenous communities, and the establishment of effective institutional mechanisms to regulate population influx.
Among the key demands placed before the Prime Minister were the updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), constitution of a Population Commission, and strict enforcement of rule-of-law mechanisms to prevent future infiltration.
The Council emphasized that protecting indigenous identity, land rights, and socio-political stability remains critical for lasting peace and harmony in the Northeast. It further appealed for a consistent national yardstick in addressing immigration concerns so that no state in the region feels neglected or excluded from policy attention.
The UNC also conveyed its expectation that the issue would receive due consideration during the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Assam, seeking clear assurance from the Centre that a comprehensive and long-term strategy would be adopted to address the challenges posed by illegal immigration in Northeast India.