Manipur ex-CM urges regular biometric updates on Myanmar immigrants

Guwahati, Nov 3 2026 – Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh appealed today for the state Home Department to regularly release updated information on the biometric enrolment of illegal immigrants from Myanmar, saying that transparency is needed to boost public confidence and address security concerns, The Sentinel Assam reported.

Call for regular biometric updates

Singh asked the Home Department to disclose specific details such as the number of individuals whose identities have been recorded and verified through the biometric process. He argued that periodic disclosures would reinforce the government’s commitment to protecting the state’s security and the interests of its indigenous communities. By making the data publicly available, Singh said the administration could demonstrate that it is actively monitoring the situation and responding to any threats that may arise.

Reference to Mizoram’s approach

His appeal came a day after reports that the Mizoram government had announced that the biometric enrolment of Myanmar refugees sheltering in that state had entered its final phase. Singh highlighted Mizoram’s measures to monitor the influx of immigrants and suggested that Manipur adopt a similar approach by keeping the public informed about the progress of its own data-collection exercise. He noted that Mizoram’s steps were aimed at safeguarding its interests and implied that a comparable strategy could benefit Manipur.

Emphasis on national security over politics

In a post on social media, Singh stressed that the issue should not be viewed through a political lens but rather as a matter of national security, border protection and the future of the state’s people. He wrote, "This is not about politics. It is about national security, safeguarding our borders and protecting the future of our people." He added that regular updates would help strengthen public confidence and reaffirm the government’s dedication to protecting the state’s security and the welfare of its indigenous population.

Ongoing concerns over undocumented immigration

Undocumented immigration from Myanmar remains a significant concern in Manipur, especially amid the ongoing security challenges in the state. According to a report, in August the Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas informed the state Assembly that 24,475 illegal immigrants from Myanmar had been detected in the state so far. Singh’s remarks have refocused attention on the need for biometric identification and systematic monitoring of undocumented immigrants. By urging the Home Department to publish regular updates, Singh aims to ensure that the public remains informed about the scale of the issue and the steps being taken to address it.

Anticipated impact of regular disclosures

Singh believes that making biometric data publicly available will not only enhance transparency but also deter illegal entry by signalling that the state is actively tracking and verifying the identities of newcomers. He expects that such measures will contribute to a more secure border environment and reassure the indigenous communities that their safety and cultural heritage are being protected. The call for regular updates aligns with broader regional efforts, as illustrated by Mizoram’s recent progress, and underscores the importance of coordinated action across Northeast states to manage cross-border migration.