Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Wednesday made a striking revelation, stating that thousands of refugees had been settled in the state since the 1960s with the full knowledge of the authorities. He highlighted that these refugees were even provided assistance for rehabilitation.
🔹 Unanswered Questions on Refugees & Electoral Roll
Singh, who resigned as CM in February, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, questioned the fate of these refugee families and whether they were eventually included in the electoral roll.
💬 “Even before we became a full-fledged state, thousands of refugees were settled here. Records from the late 1960s and early 70s show the presence of over 1,500 families who crossed over and received assistance for rehabilitation. But what happened to them? Were they granted full rights? Were they added to the electoral rolls?”
🔹 BJP Leaders Push for NRC & Census Review
Singh’s remarks come a day after BJP MLAs in Manipur demanded a review of the 2001 Census and the implementation of NRC before conducting a delimitation exercise. During his tenure as CM, Singh and the Centre accused illegal immigrants from Myanmar of fueling the ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023, claiming more than 250 lives.
📜 Historical Evidence & Political Concerns
Singh shared a copy of a letter written by Paokai Haokip, a former MP from Manipur, to KC Pant, then Minister of State for Home Affairs. The letter, dated 1967, confirms the presence of over 1,500 refugee families in Manipur.
🔹 “Manipur – A Refugee Dumping Ground?”
Singh raised concerns about whether Manipur was treated as a dumping ground for refugees from the very beginning and questioned whether these individuals were extended benefits meant for indigenous communities.
💬 “These are not minor issues. They touch the very core of our identity, social balance, and the future direction of our society. It is time to revisit this chapter—not to assign blame, but to understand what happened and its implications.”
🔹 “We Must Be Truthful & Forward-Looking”
Singh emphasized that leaders must stand firm on facts rather than following political tides.
💬 “True responsibility lies in being truthful, defending the dignity of our people, and planning for the future. That is the duty of a statesman, not just a politician.”
As the debate over immigration, identity, and electoral integrity intensifies in Manipur, Singh’s statements have reignited discussions on the state’s demographic history and political future. 🔥
