Why vocal about infiltration only in Assam: Manipur-based Naga group asks PM

GUWAHATI

Manipur’s United Naga Council (UNC) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to limit his concern about infiltration only to Assam.

The apex body of the Naga communities said it appreciated his “vocal stance” against the issue of “infiltration of illegal immigrants” during his visits to Assam.

“We are concerned about the perceived silence on this matter when you visit the other northeastern States, particularly Manipur,” the UNC’s April 4 memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister read.

The memorandum was signed by the council’s president Ng. Lorho and general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang.

“A uniform approach is essential to address this issue, which affects the demographic balance and poses a threat to the identity and rights of indigenous communities across the region,” the UNC said.

It said that the influx of illegal immigrants has significant demographic, social, and economic implications for the people of Manipur and the northeastern region beyond, posing challenges during the Census and delimitation process, which could alter the representation of indigenous communities in the region.

The UNC urged the Centre to immediately identify and deport illegal immigrants, provide necessary support and relief to the affected communities, and implement a viable mechanism to check the influx of illegal immigrants in Manipur. It cited an exercise to update the National Register of Citizens and the constitution of a Population Commission as possible mechanisms.

The UNC hoped that the Prime Minister would keep the other northeastern States in mind when he visits poll-bound Assam on Monday (April 6, 2026).

In Assam and most other northeastern States, an infiltrator invariably means a Bangladeshi national staying illegally in India. In Manipur, the word usually refers to the Kuki or Chin people who have allegedly entered India illegally from Myanmar. EOM