Kuki-Zo Council Condemns Ex-CM for Comment on Myanmar Nationals

The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has criticized former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for labeling Myanmar nationals as “illegal entrants” in a recent social media post. This announcement prompted the KZC, representing the Kuki-Zo tribal community in Manipur, to express concern over what they describe as a “deliberate misinterpretation” of comments made by Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General of the Assam Rifles (DGAR).

During a seminar at Manipur University, Lt Gen Lakhera noted that approximately 42,000 individuals had crossed into India from Myanmar, fleeing ongoing political and ethnic unrest in their home country. The KZC’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Ginza Vualzong, emphasized that these individuals are not illegal immigrants but rather victims seeking refuge. He stated, “These 42,000 persons are not ‘illegal immigrants’ as alleged by Biren Singh. They are victims of war and persecution…”

Vualzong further criticized Singh for distorting facts to promote a narrative of illegal immigration in Manipur. He argued that the Assam Rifles have been following established protocols under the Free Movement Regime (FMR) to record the biometrics and documentation of these individuals, which counters Singh’s claims.

The KZC expressed deep disappointment at certain media outlets for echoing Singh’s narrative, which they believe spreads misinformation and stigmatizes their community. “We urge the media to exercise greater responsibility and verify facts before publishing such sensitive reports,” Vualzong added.

The Kuki-Zo Council asserts that the Kuki-Zo people are indigenous to the region, with a history that predates current political boundaries. The statement from the council claims that attempts to label them as illegal immigrants reflect a continuation of divisive politics under Singh’s leadership, which they describe as marked by communal prejudice.

In response, Singh defended his position on social media, stating, “I thank Lt Gen Shri Vikas Lakhera for confirming that biometrics are being collected from illegal entrants crossing the Indo-Myanmar border.” He asserted that the need for such measures highlights the ongoing and real influx of outsiders into the region, emphasizing the monitoring and accommodation of these individuals at secure locations.

Singh’s comments come shortly after his resignation as Chief Minister on February 9, 2024, just prior to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur due to escalating ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

The Assam Rifles clarified that the DGAR’s comments have been misrepresented. They stated that the new FMR policy aims to map Myanmarese nationals entering India, with 42,000 individuals documented since December 2024. The Assam Rifles confirmed that these citizens primarily stay temporarily within the Northeastern states, including Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, before returning to Myanmar as per the FMR provisions.

The seminar at Manipur University was part of an academic collaboration between the Assam Rifles and the institution, aimed at addressing regional security concerns while fostering dialogue.