Former Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday urged the state government to deploy adequate police personnel along the Manipur–Mizoram border to prevent the entry of illegal immigrants from Myanmar.

Singh said the move was necessary as reports indicated that several new villages had been set up in Mizoram by people who fled Myanmar following the 2021 conflict between pro-democracy forces and the Junta.

“While the influx in Mizoram has increased after the 2021 conflict, Manipur has faced this issue for a much longer time,” Singh told reporters on the sidelines of a programme.

His comments came after the Mizo Students Union demanded that Mizoram authorities abolish the alleged illegal villages established by Myanmar nationals.

“When that abolition takes place, who will stop the influx of those driven out of Mizoram into Manipur?” he asked, stressing the need for coordinated border vigilance.

Singh called for the deployment of state police personnel representing Naga, Meitei, and Kuki communities along the border areas of Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts, which share around 95 km with Mizoram. He added that he would convey the concern to the governor and seek immediate steps to strengthen security and prevent cross-border movement.

He further appealed for unity across communities, saying, “The whole of Manipur must come together on issues related to illegal immigrants and drugs.”