IMPHAL: Ethnic tensions in Manipur escalate as Myanmar’s crisis spills over, intensifying the state’s unrest. Reports from Moreh reveal clashes between Myanmar’s Military Junta and rebel groups at Walphabung village in Namphalong, Tamu District, triggering panic among over a hundred Myanmar nationals, including women and children.
Seeking safety, they flee across the border into Manipur’s border town of Moreh. Police and paramilitary sources in Moreh confirm the ongoing immigration crisis from across the border despite the Government of India suspending the Free Movement Regime (FMR) to address the state’s ethnic strife.
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Official sources state that mostly women and children cross over to the Kuki Village of Holenphai for safety during intensified fighting between the Myanmar government military and pro-democratic rebels and return to their homes across the border when it is safe. The latest influx of refugees, estimated to be over 200, underscores the escalating violence in Myanmar, with concerns rising over further clashes, particularly given the significant presence of Myanmar army personnel in Walphabung village, predominantly inhabited by the Kuki community.
Notably, the fallout of the political unrest in Myanmar has long affected Manipur, exacerbating existing ethnic strife between the Kuki Zo and Meitei communities that began on May 3 in Churachandpur. The influx of refugees fleeing violence from across the border adds another layer to the region’s complex dynamics, further straining resources and deepening tensions.
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With allegations of illegal immigrants contributing to the unrest in Manipur, the situation becomes more volatile, requiring a comprehensive and nuanced approach to address both the immediate humanitarian crisis and underlying ethnic tensions. Immediate action and coordinated efforts are essential to prevent further escalation and foster stability in the region.