India 

The influx of illegal immigrants since 2006 has led to the emergence of nearly 1000 villages in Manipur, causing significant forest destruction and exacerbating ethnic tensions, as highlighted by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

The northeastern state of Manipur, nestled amidst verdant hills and lush forests, is grappling with a pressing issue that threatens its socio-economic fabric and environmental equilibrium: the influx of illegal immigrants. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has raised alarms about the adverse effects of this phenomenon, linking it to a range of challenges including ethnic tensions, environmental degradation, and threats to national security.

Since 2006, Manipur has witnessed a proliferation of new villages attributed to the settlement of illegal immigrants from neighboring Myanmar. The Chief Minister highlighted that this "unnatural growth" has not only altered the demographic landscape but also resulted in the destruction of extensive forest cover to make way for settlements and illicit activities such as poppy cultivation. The total area of opium poppy cultivation declined 60 percent since 2021, data from the autonomous government institution Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre shows.

The roots of the current crisis can be traced back to the ethnic conflicts of the 1990s, particularly between the Nagas and Kukis, which led to the displacement of Kuki communities into Myanmar. Subsequent regrouping facilitated the entry of illegal immigrants into Manipur's border regions, exacerbating demographic challenges and hindering census efforts. The 2001 Census for Manipur was never finalized due to abnormal decadal population growth as high as 169 percent.

The Kuki-Zo tribes, dominant in the hill areas, accuse the government, primarily representing the Meitei community from the valley, of exacerbating ethnic tensions. The clashes in 2023, resulting in significant casualties and internal displacement, underscored the simmering grievances over land, resources, and political representation.

The government's "war on drugs" campaign, aimed at curbing opium cultivation, further complicated the situation. The decline in cultivation dealt a blow to powerful drug cartels and intersected with demands for separate administrative units by insurgent groups. These dynamics contributed to a volatile environment conducive to conflict.

In response, the government initiated measures to address the influx of illegal immigrants, including biometric data collection and geotagging of settlements. However, concerns persist regarding the encroachment on indigenous rights, resources, and job opportunities, fueling resentment among local communities. The initial findings of the first phase of the identification exercise, conducted until April 24, 2023, revealed the presence of 1,147 Myanmar immigrants in Tengnoupal across 13 villages, 881 Myanmar immigrants in Chandel across 3 villages, 154 Myanmar immigrants in Churachandpur across 1 village, and 5 Myanmar immigrants in Kamjong across 24 villages.

The environmental toll of illegal immigration is equally significant. Satellite imagery reveals a stark decline in forest cover since 2006, particularly in districts like Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, and Chandel, where new settlements have proliferated. This encroachment not only threatens biodiversity but also exacerbates the vulnerability of ecosystems to degradation and climate change.

Moreover, the infiltration poses challenges to social cohesion and harmony, amplifying inter-community tensions and undermining trust. Strengthening border security and surveillance, along with capacity-building measures, are essential to mitigate these risks and safeguard both the environment and communal harmony.

As Manipur grapples with the multifaceted repercussions of illegal immigration, concerted efforts are needed to address the root causes, foster dialogue among diverse stakeholders, and formulate holistic strategies for sustainable development and inclusive growth. Only through collaborative action can Manipur navigate this complex challenge and preserve its rich cultural heritage and natural heritage for generations to come.