Manipur govt to conduct survey of landmine explosions along Indo-Myanmar border: CM N Biren Singh

Singh said as there is no official report with the state in connection with landmine explosions, other than unconfirmed reports, a survey is required. The survey would jointly be conducted by officials of the state police and Assam Rifles, he said.

Saying that the report is of great “concern”, he said the state would officially inform the External Affairs Ministry about the findings. “As the matter concerns two nations, the matter will be officially intimated to the External Affairs Ministry along with a proper ground report,” he said.

Acknowledging the need to strengthen security along the border, Singh said the Central Government has sanctioned funds for constructing 34 police outposts, including Kamjong district.

Moving his motion, Keishing, informed the house of the latest explosion that occurred in the district on July 26 and two teenage girls were injured after a bomb exploded at the Wangli market.

He said that the incident of landmine explosions under the jurisdiction of the district often goes officially unrecorded. “Fear psychosis is prevailing in the district owing to frequent mine explosions. While the majority of the population depends on farming, they fear to venture out far and wide,” said the MLA.

The MLA said there is no certainty as to who planted the mines but it has been speculated that it could have been planted by Myanmar rebels. He also questioned the role of the central forces in guarding the border area. He further drew the attention of the House towards the state government’s initiatives to increase the strength of the state forces in the district.

Located 117 km from Imphal, Kamjong district is grappling with the issue of influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar. As per official records, as many as 5,801 illegal migrants have entered Manipur, of which 15 have died of natural causes and 359 have voluntarily returned to Myanmar.

At present, 5,457 illegal Myanmar migrants are currently taking shelter in designated camps across eight villages in Kamjong district alone. It has been reported that biometrics of as many as 5,173 illegal immigrants have been recorded so far.