Govt committed to take steps against illegal immigrants: Manipur Governor

Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday urged the people of Churachandpur not to allow illegal settlements of “people beyond the borders”, asserting that the government was committed to taking effective steps to address this challenge.
Addressing public meetings in Churachandpur and Imphal, from where Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled development projects worth Rs 8,500 crore, Bhalla appealed to the people of Manipur to rise above differences and work together towards peace and prosperity of the state.
“We cannot allow our land to be encroached by people from beyond the borders. Both the state and the Centre are committed to taking effective steps to address this challenge,” he said.
Manipur shares a 398-km-long border with Myanmar.
Bhalla said a resettlement plan has been formulated to rehabilitate those displaced by the ethnic violence in the state.
“A three-phase resettlement plan for IDPs (internally displaced persons) has been taken up to settle them at the earliest. Additional security personnel and QRTs have been deployed to bolster further safety and stability. PM Modi is your light of hope,” he said.
Bhalla said two and half years ago, Manipur was one of the fastest developing state in the region.
“The state faced difficulties during the last two years. Still, the state government and the Centre, along with the people of Manipur, have been able to bring back peace and normalcy to an extent. However, more efforts are needed,” he said.
“Today, we are at an important moment when we can heal, rebuild and restart for a new future. My sincere appeal to every citizen of Manipur is to rise above the differences and to work together towards peace and prosperity of our state,” he said.
The governor said looted arms have been recovered, and security for farmers has been ensured.
“The state has made remarkable progress in various sectors, from social welfare and infrastructure development to economic empowerment. Most of the health facilities that had been shut down have been reopened,” he said.
“Our commitment to empowering the youths of Manipur is reflected in various initiatives that the government has taken,” he said.
Addressing the gathering in Churachandpur, the governor said it is not just a geographical location but a land of rich cultural diversity and resilience.
“PM Modi has reached the town after a long journey. The people of this land, representing a mosaic of tribal and ethnic communities, have for generations contributed to the social, cultural and economic fabric of our state,” he said.
“The focus on connectivity, infrastructure, education and health care has brought hope and new opportunities to our youths. Today, as we look forward, we also acknowledge the challenges that we must face together, challenges of peace, development and trust,” he added.
Bhalla said taking development to the remotest corner of the country is the cornerstone of the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ or developed India.
“It is the time to heal and look forward with dialogue, understanding and inclusive governance. I am confident that Manipur will emerge more resilient, more united and prosperous. We must all contribute to bring peace to our society,” he said.
“Churachandpur district has been the top priority of the state. Being a border district, the government is committed to providing connectivity and essential infrastructure,” he said.
Manipur has been under the President’s Rule since February, and the governor is heading the administration of the state.