The Meetei (Meitei) Tribe Union (MMTU) has expressed significant concern regarding illegal immigration in Manipur ahead of the forthcoming national census. During a press conference at the Manipuripur Press Club, MMTU Secretary Takhellambam Parijat Meitei highlighted the steady influx of illegal immigrants over the years, asserting that many have settled in various regions, which poses a serious threat to the indigenous population. He accused some political leaders of permitting this migration to bolster their electoral support. With the census set to commence in April, he suggested it could serve as an opportunity to identify illegal residents. Parijat advocated for the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), referencing the 1951 Census as a potential mechanism for verifying residents’ status. He cautioned that conducting the census and delimitation based on flawed population data could have adverse long-term political repercussions for indigenous communities. He noted that without inclusion in the Scheduled Tribe list, the Meitei people could face further political marginalization. Parijat claimed that since 1971, many illegal migrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh have settled in Manipur, particularly in the hill areas, and some have been classified under the “Any Kuki Tribe” administrative category, leading to the establishment of new villages. The MMTU consequently urged civil society organizations, community leaders, and the public to recognize the gravity of the issue and work together to protect the political, social, and economic future of Manipur’s indigenous communities.
MMTU Raises Concern Over Illegal Immigration Ahead of Census
