In a strongly worded public statement issued on Monday, Arambai Tenggol, a prominent civil group in Manipur, called on the Government of India to take urgent and decisive action against illegal immigration in the state, warning that the unchecked influx of immigrants is leading to demographic imbalance, cultural erosion, and threats to national security.
The two-page statement, signed by Laishram Robason, Control Room Operator of Arambai Tenggol’s General Headquarters, underscored what it termed a “major crisis” in Manipur due to the alleged influx of illegal immigrants from Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Key Concerns Raised
According to the group, the growing presence of undocumented migrants is:
Diluting the voice and democratic representation of the indigenous people
Straining state infrastructure, job availability, and social cohesion
Enabling criminal and anti-national activities due to the lack of identification
Creating insecurity among locals, who fear losing their cultural identity and heritage
Excerpts from the Statement
“The native population is being outnumbered by unchecked illegal immigrants… It is imperative that this issue be addressed immediately in order to safeguard the interests of the indigenous populace and ensure the safety and security of our great nation, Bharat.”
The group emphasized that the problem is not new but has now reached a tipping point. It claims that immigrants without proper citizenship documents are still participating in electoral activities, potentially undermining the democratic process.
Appeal for NRC and Policy Intervention
Arambai Tenggol is urging the Central Government to implement the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Manipur as the “need of the hour.” According to the group, the NRC would help:
| Objective | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Identify illegal immigrants | Through verification of citizenship documents |
| Aid deportation | By enabling clear legal categorization |
| Protect electoral integrity | Ensuring only legitimate citizens are included |
| Maintain demographic balance | By preventing unchecked migration |
The statement cautions that conducting a general census without addressing illegal immigration would distort data and compromise security and representation.
Final Call to Action
In its concluding appeal, Arambai Tenggol stated:
“Let us join hands and work towards safeguarding our nation’s sovereignty and our indigenous peoples’ rights.”
The document marks a renewed and organized push for central intervention in the region’s demographic and political stability, and reflects growing grassroots concern among sections of Manipur’s population.
Background Context
Manipur has seen heightened ethnic tensions and security challenges over the past year, culminating in the imposition of President’s Rule in February 2025. Amid ongoing unrest, calls for identity protection and state-wide verification have grown louder.
The statement from Arambai Tenggol is likely to further shape public discourse—and may find resonance in the current Monsoon Session of Parliament, where the issue of extending President’s Rule in the state is already under consideration.
