The Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights in Manipur and United Nations (CSCHR) raised concerns over the inaccurate information allegedly presented by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) regarding the deportation of illegal Myanmarese immigrants from Manipur to Myanmar.
The ICJ’s response on the human rights situation in Manipur was contradictory to the reality and unexpected, CSCHR stated.
In a letter address to the president and secretary of International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), CSCHR convenor Phulindro Konsam stated, “It seems that the ICJ’s conclusions on the issue of illegal immigration and periodic exodus from Myanmar to Manipur may be based on misinformed or unauthenticated sources, as they do not align with the ground reality that we have observed and worked with over the years.”
CSCHR asserts that the recent repatriation of 77 Myanmar nationals was conducted voluntarily, with no intentions of forcible deportation. “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,” stated Phulindro Konsam.
CSCHR also provided data regarding the detection of illegal immigrants in Kamjong district as of May 2024, indicating that a significant number of cases have been detected, but no instances of forcible deportation have occurred.
He highlighted the challenges faced by local law enforcement agencies in controlling the situation, stating that “the immigrant population has outnumbered the local indigenous inhabitants” in the villages of Phungyar area in Kamjong.
While acknowledging ICJ’s concern for human rights, CSCHR urged for future statements or actions to be based on accurate information and a comprehensive understanding of the situation on the ground.
The statement also reiterated CSCHR’s readiness to cooperate with ICJ to uphold the principle of basic human rights and deliver justice to those who are in need.
