Manipur BJP MLA writes to Amit Shah for fencing Mizoram-Myanmar borders

An MLA of ruling BJP in conflict-hit Manipur has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah for fencing Mizoram's border with Myanmar in order to check infiltration and cross border terrorism.

The MLA, Raj Kumar Imo Singh, who is also the son-in-law of Manipur CM N. Biren Singh, said complete fencing of the Myanmar border is required while highlighting Mizoram government's recent decision against collecting biometric details of the "refugees" from the  neighbouring country. 

"There is an apprehension that people entering India through the Mizoram side of Indo-Myanmar border will not be properly checked as it was reported in the news that the Mizoram government has declined not to do biometrics to detect illegal migrants from Myanmar. This is a very serious issue which could change the whole demography of the region," Singh said in its letter to Shah on Tuesday. 

"Thus, I request you to ensure that the Indo Myanmar border in Mizoram is fully FENCED, which is similarly going to be done in Manipur to help in controlling more influx of such iIlegal migrants across the region. This will become a major stepping stone to protect all the indigenous people in the region and further strengthen the internal security of the nation."

 The MHA recently extended the deadline till March 2024 for collection of biometrics of the Myanmar nationals living in Manipur. The neighbouring Mizoram, however, refused to comply with the Centre's directive for collection of biometrics saying the same could lead to discrimination to the "refugees" and push their forceful deportation. More than 30,000 Myanmar nationals including at least 50 MPs and MLAs have taken shelter in Mizoram since the military launched a crackdown against the "pro-democracy" protesters in early 2021. 

Mizoram shares 510kms border with Myanmar. While there is a growing clamor in Manipur against influx from Myanmar, Mizoram government and the civil society has provided shelters to the "refugees" saying they are Mizo brethren and share ethnic ties with the Mizos. Mizoram government had also refused to comply with the Centre's directive for immediate deportation of the refugees. 

Imo Singh said involvement of the militants based in Myanmar became clear after the NIA arrested a Kuki man from Churachandpur recently for his alleged involvement in the "transnational conspiracy" to use Manipur violence for waging war against India.