Manipur Police Launch Statewide Operation to Tackle Influx of Illegal Immigrants

Imphal: Amid heightened security concerns, Manipur Police have intensified operations across the state to trace and act against illegal immigrants suspected to have entered from neighboring countries such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Officials confirmed that instructions have been issued to all 16 district Superintendents of Police, outlining specific procedures for identifying, restricting, and deporting undocumented foreign nationals. These include detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure a coordinated and consistent response across the state.

Special Task Forces have been formed in every district to take charge of identifying and pursuing legal action against illegal migrants. The teams will work under the supervision of senior officers, who are monitoring progress through regular reviews.

This statewide action follows a July 23 directive from Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar, which urged authorities to strengthen surveillance along Manipur’s borders in light of increased migration pressure due to instability in neighboring regions.

The directive calls for the formation of district-level task forces led by Additional Superintendents of Police, supported by officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s office, paramilitary representatives, and biometric staff. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring entry and exit points, capturing biometric data of all illegal entrants, and ensuring they are held in designated shelters—not allowed to blend into the local population.

Authorities have been instructed to maintain strict vigil at international, inter-state, and inter-district boundaries to prevent any unauthorized movement. All such cases are to be reported immediately, with deportation procedures initiated as per legal protocols.

Though Manipur does not share a border with Bangladesh, officials say its proximity to porous stretches along Assam and Mizoram raises the risk of infiltration. The state’s 400-kilometre unfenced boundary with Myanmar also remains a critical concern for security forces.

The police crackdown reflects growing urgency within the administration to address demographic shifts and safeguard against potential security threats posed by illegal migration.