Myanmar nationals take refuge in Manipur's Kamjong district

As tension escalated in the Myanmar conflict, atleast 400 Myanmarese, mostly women and children, have reportedly taken refuge towards the Indian side of the Indo-Myanmar border especially at Phaikoh village and Huimin Thana under Kamjong district, Manipur, on Friday.

As per report in Ukhrul Times, the illegal migrants have moved towards Indian side for a safer accommodation due to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar. More than 400 Myanmar refugees have entered into Manipur state, taking refuge at Phaikoh and Huimin Thana.

The Myanmar nationals are from Aungzaya village and Mongjang Momo village of Myanmar, fleeing the military junta crackdown, coupled with increasing resistant attacks against the establishment by the pro-democracy forces. More refugees are likely to enter into Manipur State border for refuge, report said.

Deputy Commissioner of Kamjong district, Rang Peter along with Additional SP of Kamjong, Chief Medical Officer of Kamjong and OC of Chassad Police Station are currently staying at Phaikoh village to get stock of the situation, providing basic amenities.

In this regard, the DC of Kamjong, Rang Peter has issued a direction to immediately carry out a verification drive of all cross-border migrants with details such as name, age, sex, place of origin etc. along with biometrics either through machine or inked finger marks of all ten fingers and photograph of each individuals.

The order of the district authority instructed that “no movement will be permitted towards Indian side beyond Phaikoh village. Any movement outside Phaikoh village is to be strictly done on proper verification. In case of any cross-border infiltration, migrants may be confined in community places such as community hall, school building, church building etc. and not in any individual houses for a minimum period of time and thereafter push them back immediately once the situation is improved.”

The CMO of Kamjong in an order alerted its medical staff as a precautionary measure. The order read, “As a precautionary measure to provide medical assistance, all the staffs posted at health facilities in Kamjong Block and Kasom Khullen Block are hereby ordered to remain at their respective place of posting to manage any medical emergencies.”

The verification drive of the refugees is ongoing under the aegis of Kamjong district administration at Phaikoh village.