Manipur: The Manipur government has asked the Assam Rifles to push back Myanmar nationals after over 700 citizens of the neighbouring country reportedly crossed the border last week. As many as 718 Myanmar nationals, including 301 children and 208 women, have entered Manipur’s Chandel district amid ongoing clashes between the ruling Army and civil forces in the country, IANS reported quoting an official.
Manipur chief secretary Vineet Joshi said in a communication to the Assam Rifles late on Monday that “in connection with similar issues in the past, the State government had clearly informed the Assam Rifles, being border guarding force, to take strict action to prevent entry of Myanmar nationals into Manipur on any ground without valid visa/travel documents as per the instruction of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.”
The Assam Rifles had earlier informed the deputy commissioner of Chandel district that 718 fresh refugees had crossed the Indo-Myanmar border and entered Manipur through Chandel district on July 23, due to the ongoing clashes at Khampat.
“…State Government has sought detailed report from Assam Rifles Authority to’ clarify on the facts and compelling circumstances/reasons, as to why and how these 718 Myanmar nationals were allowed to enter Into India In Chandel District without proper travel documents; along with strict advice to push back those 718 Illegal Myanmar nationals immediately,” Joshi said.
“The Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent or Police or Chandel District have also been advised to oversee the Implementation or the above and also keep biometrics and photographs of all such persons,” he added.
