Did Manipur Police Launch a Large-Scale Search Operation to Identify Foreign Nationals?

Imphal, July 25 (NationPress) - In a decisive move, the Manipur Police have initiated a widespread search operation throughout the state aimed at identifying illegal entrants from countries such as Myanmar and Bangladesh, according to officials on Friday.

A high-ranking official stated that the Manipur Police are addressing the issue of unlawful immigration, which includes individuals from Bangladesh, Rohingyas (citizens of Myanmar), and Pakistani nationals, due to escalating challenges and security threats.

The official mentioned that new guidelines detailing the methods for detecting, limiting movement, and deporting these illegal migrants have been distributed from the police headquarters to all 16 district Superintendents of Police statewide.

"Moreover, a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for the identification and verification of unlawful immigrants, including those from Pakistan and Bangladesh, has been implemented to ensure consistent and coordinated action at the district level," the official added.

To enhance enforcement, Special Task Forces (STFs) have been set up by all 16 district police authorities to find, identify, and undertake appropriate legal measures against illegal immigrants residing within the state.

Senior officers are conducting regular and rigorous assessments of the progress and effectiveness of the measures being implemented, as stated by the official.

New directives from the police headquarters were issued just three days following the order from Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar.

In his directive on July 23, the Commissioner noted that due to concerns regarding an influx of illegal migrants into Manipur, particularly because of the unrest in neighboring countries, the Manipur government has instructed all district authorities to maintain heightened vigilance along the state's international and inter-state borders.

Ashok Kumar recommended the formation of district-level task forces led by the Additional Superintendent of Police.

The task force will also include officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, a representative from the Assam Rifles, BSF, or CRPF, as required by the team leader, along with biometric staff.

He emphasized that all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police must establish robust mechanisms to prevent illegal crossings into state boundaries and maintain vigilant monitoring at international, inter-state, and inter-district borders to avert such movements. Any detected illegal crossings should be reported immediately, with mandatory biometric data collection for those involved. These illegal migrants will be housed in secure, designated locations to provide shelter and humanitarian aid, ensuring they do not blend in or become naturalized within the local population.

All illegal migrants will be deported following due procedures, according to the directive.

"Deputy Commissioners are expected to monitor entry-exit points under the Border Pass System regularly. The tracing of defaulters and overstayers will be undertaken by district police," the directive stated.

Manipur shares approximately 400 km of unfenced international border with Myanmar to the southeast, while it is bordered by Nagaland to the north, Assam to the west, and Mizoram to the south. An official noted that although Manipur does not directly border Bangladesh, the neighboring states of Assam and Mizoram do have a porous border with it, leading to concerns about potential infiltration from that region.