IT News
Imphal, May 15:
Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations (CSCHR) has expressed concerns over the accuracy of the information presented by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) concerning the deportation of Myanmarese immigrants from Manipur to Myanmar.
In a letter addressed to the President/ Secretary of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Phulindro Konsam, Convenor of CSCHR, stated, “it seems that the ICJ’s conclusions on the issue of illegal immigration and periodic exodus from Myanmar to Manipur may be based on misinformed or unauthenticated sources, as they do not align with the ground reality that we have observed and worked with over the years.”
Contrary to the ICJ’s statement, CSCHR asserts that the recent repatriation of 77 Myanmar nationals was conducted voluntarily, with no intention of forcible deportation. “The recent repatriation of 77 Myanmar nationals was conducted by the district administrations on both sides of the border, and it was their own choice to return to their respective villages as the situation in the area returned to normal,” stated Phulindro Konsam.
CSCHR also provided data regarding the detection of illegal immigrants in Kamjong District as of May 2024, indicating that a significant number of cases have been detected, but no instances of forcible deportation have occurred. Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding the increase in criminal activities attributed to the immigrant population. P Konsam highlighted the challenges faced by local law enforcement agencies in controlling the situation, stating, “The immigrant population has outnumbered the local indigenous inhabitants” in the villages of Phungyar area in Kamjong.
While acknowledging ICJ’s concern for human rights, CSCHR urged for future statements or actions to be based on accurate information and a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground.
The statement also reiterated CSCHR’s readiness to cooperate with ICJ to uphold the principle of basic human rights and deliver justice to those in need.