Imphal, Oct 26: Former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said on Sunday that the Manipur government should send security forces to the Manipur-Mizoram border areas. He said there were reports of 11 illegal villages set up by immigrants in Mizoram. He warned that more people might enter Manipur if Mizoram starts removing these villages.
Biren said this during a Ningol Chakkouba feast organised by him for nearly 2,000 people who had to leave their homes due to the violence. Most of them were women and children from Moreh and Churachandpur. The event took place at Luwangsangbam in Imphal West.
Ningol Chakkouba is one of Manipur’s most loved festivals. It is celebrated to honour the bond between married women and their birth families. This year, many displaced families were not invited to any celebrations.
Biren then said, “The number of people coming from Myanmar has been growing since 2021 because of the conflict there”. “If Mizoram starts evictions, more may come to Manipur.”
He asked the government to keep a close watch on border areas, especially Churachandpur. “We must strengthen security checkpoints and stay alert,” he said.
Biren Singh added that while it is important to help people in need, proper checks must be done. “We can give temporary shelter on humanitarian grounds, but we must identify everyone properly,” he said.
On the Ningol Chakkouba feast, Biren said it made him sad that “our brothers and sisters who lost their homes were left out”. He added, “So, I spoke with local clubs and we decided to organise this feast for them.”
Biren then said the government had tried to help these families return home, but problems with law and order made it hard. “People living in the foothills have gone back, but those from Churachandpur and Moreh are still struggling,” he said.
