Summary
- Manipur launches a state-wide crackdown on illegal immigrants under a stringent yet humanitarian SOP to ensure lawful and dignified handling of foreign nationals.
- Backed by a scientifically designed SOP, Manipur Police combine strict enforcement with humane treatment in their drive against illegal infiltration.
- A compassionate approach marks Manipur’s crackdown, as authorities enforce border security through a humanitarian Standard Operating Procedure.
Imphal (Manipur) Jul 26: Amid ongoing ethnic tensions, Manipur has initiated a comprehensive, state-wide crackdown on illegal immigrants. The operation is being executed under a meticulously crafted Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that combines stringent enforcement with a humanitarian outlook.
What sets Manipur’s initiative apart is not just the act of tracing and detaining illegal entrants but the thoughtful and scientific approach taken by the state authorities in handling the issue. Instead of mere detention and deportation, the state is focusing on structured identification, humane treatment, and legal processing of foreign nationals entering the state illegally.
In a robust and well-coordinated campaign, Manipur Police have begun intensive search operations across all districts to identify and detain undocumented immigrants from countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The move comes in response to rising security threats and concerns over cross-border infiltration.
A senior police official confirmed that the issue of illegal immigration is being addressed with the highest level of seriousness, particularly due to the increasing presence of foreign nationals, including Rohingyas from Myanmar and individuals from Bangladesh and Pakistan. The police headquarters has issued revised guidelines for the detection, restriction of movement, and deportation of such individuals, which have been circulated to all 16 district Superintendents of Police.
“To streamline efforts across the state, a comprehensive SOP has been issued to guide the verification and identification process, particularly for Bangladeshi and Pakistani nationals,” the official said.
As part of the strategy, all 16 districts have constituted Special Task Forces (STFs) specifically tasked with identifying, verifying, and taking legal action against illegal foreign nationals residing in the state.
This initiative follows a directive issued by Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar on July 23. The directive warned of a potential influx of migrants due to ongoing unrest in neighboring regions and instructed all district authorities to maintain strict vigilance along the state’s international and inter-state borders.
The order directed district administrations to implement robust surveillance mechanisms to detect and prevent unauthorized entry. It also mandated immediate biometric data collection of any individuals apprehended, with arrangements for temporary shelter and basic humanitarian support. The aim is to prevent such individuals from blending into local populations or becoming naturalized.
The government emphasized that while humanitarian aid will be provided, deportation will be carried out strictly in accordance with legal procedures.
Senior police officials are actively reviewing the progress and effectiveness of these operations through frequent evaluations at the highest levels.
In line with the directive, district-level task forces are being formed under the leadership of Additional Superintendents of Police. These teams will include representatives from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, paramilitary forces such as the Assam Rifles, BSF, or CRPF, and biometric specialists.
Deputy Commissioners have also been instructed to monitor entry and exit points under the Border Pass System closely. Local police will be responsible for identifying overstayers and managing defaulter cases.
Manipur shares a 400 km unfenced international border with Myanmar to the southeast and is surrounded by Nagaland, Assam, and Mizoram. Although the state does not directly border Bangladesh, concerns remain about possible infiltration via neighboring Assam and Mizoram, both of which share porous borders with Bangladesh. (Edited)
