42,000 Outsiders Entered Manipur Since December 2024: Assam Rifles DG

Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has brought attention to a significant revelation made by Assam Rifles Director General, Lt. Gen. Vikas Lakhera. According to Lakhera’s disclosure, nearly 42,000 outsiders have illegally entered Manipur through the porous Indo-Myanmar border since December 2024. This revelation has added weight to growing concerns in the region regarding cross-border infiltration and its potential impact on security, stability, and demographics in Manipur and the wider Northeast.

In a social media post, Singh expressed his gratitude to Lt. Gen. Lakhera for confirming not only the numbers but also the fact that Indian authorities are actively collecting biometric data from those crossing the border illegally. Singh emphasized that the very necessity of implementing biometric data collection itself is a powerful confirmation that the influx of outsiders is not a matter of speculation or rumor, but a pressing and undeniable reality. This measure, according to Singh, demonstrates that the authorities recognize the seriousness of the situation and are taking proactive steps to monitor and control it.

Singh went on to state that it was somewhat reassuring for the people of the region to know that those who had already entered are not being left unchecked. He highlighted that such individuals are being kept under strict surveillance, housed only at secure and designated locations, and monitored closely by the security and administrative machinery. This, Singh said, should provide some relief to citizens who are deeply worried about the demographic and security consequences of unchecked migration. At the same time, he cautioned that vigilance must be maintained and strengthened.

Underscoring the importance of collective regional awareness, Singh declared that the Northeast is neither blind to these developments nor complacent. “The message is clear. The Northeast is not blind to what is happening, nor is it leaving anything to chance,” he asserted, suggesting that both the public and policymakers in the region remain acutely conscious of the risks posed by infiltration across the Indo-Myanmar border. His remarks appeared aimed at reassuring people while also pressing the urgency of the matter on a national stage.

This disclosure and Singh’s reaction come at a time when concerns in Manipur regarding cross-border infiltration have reached new heights. The state, which shares a 398-kilometer-long border with Myanmar, has historically faced challenges relating to porous frontiers, insurgency, drug trafficking, and human migration. In recent months, political leaders, security experts, and civil society groups have all been calling for enhanced border security and stricter monitoring mechanisms to prevent further illegal entry. Many argue that without stringent measures, the situation could lead to demographic imbalance, social unrest, and an escalation of existing tensions within Manipur.

The figure of 42,000 outsiders in less than a year highlights the scale of the challenge and the urgency of adopting long-term solutions. It also reflects the broader regional concern of Northeast India, where cross-border migration has often been a politically sensitive issue. Singh’s comments suggest that the matter cannot be ignored and that coordinated efforts between the state, central government, and security forces are vital.

In summary, the disclosure by the Assam Rifles DG and the subsequent acknowledgment by N. Biren Singh underscores the gravity of the infiltration problem in Manipur. With biometric monitoring, surveillance, and secure accommodations already in place, authorities are attempting to manage the crisis. However, with civil society and political leaders demanding tighter security along the Indo-Myanmar border, the coming months are likely to see stronger calls for decisive action to protect the region’s demographic and security interests.