CSCHR stated that it was ready to extend necessary cooperation and coordinate with ICJ to uphold the principle of basic human rights and deliver justice to those who need it the most. However, it cautioned the ICJ against drawing conclusions without thorough investigation.
TFM Desk
In response to International Commission of Jurists’ (ICJ) statement on the deportation of 77 Myanmarese immigrants from Manipur to Myanmar, the Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations (CSCHR) has stated that the former’s conclusions on the issue and periodic exodus from Myanmar to Manipur “may be based on misinformed or unauthenticated sources”. CSCHR said that the statement of ICJ does not align with the ground reality being observed over the years.
In a representation submitted to the President/Secretary of the Geneva based ICJ, CSCHR acknowledged ICJ’s concern for the human rights situation in the Western Southeast Asian region (WESEA), particularly in Manipur (India) and Myanmar. However, the Manipur based CSCHR said that it was compelled to point out certain discrepancies in the information presented by ICJ.
CSCHR comprised of organizations working under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) for several decades. It has been closely monitoring and addressing the issue of immigration due to instability in Myanmar but the civil society coalition stated that it had “never observed any instances where competent agencies dealing with the matter have breached or violated fundamental principles of human rights protection”.
“For your information, 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. They expressed a desire to resettle in their native villages, and there were no lapses or intentions of forcible deportation”, said CSCHR.
The civil society coalition pointed out that since the eruption of violent conflict in Myanmar, thousands of Myanmar nationals have fled their homes and entered the “sovereign territory of India in Manipur and Mizoram sectors since 2021”. Initiatives have been taken by the government to identify them, and several shelter homes have been built as temporary shelters. “However, the majority of the immigrants or refugees have shown reluctance to stay in these camps and have opted to build permanent cottages in the area illegally”, said CSCHR.
The CSCHR cited a survey conducted by a government-appointed cabinet sub-committee headed by Minister Letpao Haokip. It stated that upon arrival at the site of inquiry, the majority of the immigrants or refugees protested against staying in the shelter camps and instead began building permanent cottages inside the Gamphajol Areas, planning to settle permanently without undergoing any due citizenship processes under established law. “Despite this, we have been urging the government to provide assistance for all immigrants and allow them to stay in the identified camps set up by the government until they are willing to return to their respective native places”, said the civil society coalition.
“To date, there have been no instances of forcibly deporting any of the refugees or immigrants who entered Indian Territory, and neither the government nor civil society organizations have any intention of mistreating these unfortunate people who fled their homes to save their lives”, informed CSCHR.
CSCHR provided the following data regarding illegal immigrants detected in Kamjong District as of 07-05-2024:
- Total cumulative cases of detection of illegal migrants: 5457.
- Total biometrics captured of such detected cases: 5173.
- Total deported cases which were moved back voluntarily to Myanmar: 329.
- No FIR cases registered for any of the illegal immigrants to date.
The recent letter dated 9th May 2024, written to the Chief Minister by the concerned elected representative of the area, Mr. Leishiyo Keishing, has indicated an alarming situation with deep concern over the increase in criminal activities, where local law enforcement agencies are finding it difficult to apprehend and control the situation. “The immigrant population has outnumbered the local indigenous inhabitants in the said area, as reported by the concerned MLA”, said CSCHR.
“This phenomenon is not unique and rare, as many European countries are already experiencing such alarming situations due to immigrants. However, in Manipur, it is even more concerning as the immigrant population has been continuously engaging in various serious illegal activities such as illicit drug and small arms trafficking from across the border, massive opium poppy cultivation in encroached immigrant population infiltrated areas, massive deforestation, and the expansion of 996 illegal villages solely by the immigrant population. Additionally, immigrant armed groups have been involved in the recent violence since May 3, 2023, putting the indigenous population of the region in jeopardy”, stated CSCHR.
CSCHR said it appreciated ICJ’s concern for the people who have been suffering under the guise of political instability and geopolitical interests in the region. However, the coalition urged ICJ to ensure that any future statements or actions are based on accurate information and a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground.
CSCHR stated that it was ready to extend necessary cooperation and coordinate with ICJ to uphold the principle of basic human rights and deliver justice to those who need it the most. However, it cautioned the ICJ against drawing conclusions without thorough investigation.
The statement was signed by Phulindro Konsam, Convenor of Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights in Manipur and the United Nations, Imphal.