Naga Tribes Alert PM Modi About Illegal Migrants Claiming Ancestral Lands in Manipur

The Naga tribes have alleged that illegal immigrants are "claiming ancestral Naga lands as their own"

Imphal:

The Joint Tribes Council Manipur, comprising four Naga tribes, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "urgent action" against what they describe as unchecked illegal migration into Manipur. They warn that this influx threatens the demographic equilibrium and cultural identity of indigenous populations.

In their memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Rongmei Naga Council, Liangmai Naga Council, Zeme Naga Council, and Inpui Naga Union expressed concern about the "growing influx of illegal migrants" from Myanmar and neighboring states where National Register of Citizens (NRC) procedures are being implemented.

The Rongmei, Liangmai, Zeme, and Inpui tribes primarily inhabit Tamenglong, Noney, and Kangpokpi districts.

"The continuous inflow has strained local resources and now poses a serious threat to the cultural identity, economic stability and traditional livelihoods of native indigenous communities in Manipur," stated the memorandum.

They highlighted that the situation has become "particularly critical" along major highways where "new settlements have mushroomed without check."

The tribes alleged that many of these settlements are connected to extensive deforestation for illegal opium poppy cultivation and are "protected by well-armed militant groups."

"These groups survive through illegal taxation of commercial vehicles on national highways and by engaging in widespread poppy plantation on land belonging to the indigenous Naga people," the organizations stated.

They further claimed that these groups are now "claiming ancestral Naga lands as their own and demanding a separate administration."

According to the memorandum, roads were being constructed without community consent to connect these settlements via inter-village routes through Naga areas. Some routes have reportedly been renamed after militant leaders, and unauthorized check gates have been installed near Naga villages, restricting movement.

The council highlighted what it described as an imbalance in political representation, noting that Kuki MLAs increased from one in 1952-57 to ten in 2025, while Naga MLAs only increased from seven in 1952-57 to ten in 2025.