Imphal, August 21: The Assam Rifles has issued a clarification, saying media reports quoting its Director General, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, on the entry of Myanmarese nationals into Manipur have been “misrepresented by certain media outlets.”
In a press release, Headquarters Inspector General Assam Rifles (South) explained that the figure cited by the DG referred to movements recorded under the new Free Movement Regime (FMR) policy, and not to illegal infiltration. The clarification followed remarks made by Lt Gen Lakhera during a seminar at Manipur University on Wednesday.
Also read 42,000 Cross-Border Entrants Documented in Manipur Since Dec 2024, Says Assam Rifles Chief
“After the new FMR policy came into effect, the Myanmarese nationals entering India through crossing points are now being mapped. Since December, 42,000 individuals have been mapped with the help of biometrics and various measures instituted by all concerned govt agencies. The data of this is being shared with all Govt agencies,” the release stated.
It added that these Myanmarese citizens “primarily stay temporarily in the North Eastern states of India, mainly in Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram & Arunachal Pradesh and eventually revert to their country as per the provisions of new FMR policy.”
Also read Manipur’s Displaced Look to the Future Despite Painful Memories
The Assam Rifles also noted that the seminar was part of its academic collaboration with Manipur University. It urged media outlets “not to misconstrue or twist the statement, and to reflect the facts in their correct context.”