Joint Tribes Council Submits Memorandum to PM Modi on “Unchecked Illegal Migration” and Rising Insecurity in Manipur
The Joint Tribes Council (JTC) representing the Liangmai, Rongmei, Zeme, and Inpui Naga communities has submitted a detailed memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising alarm over what it describes as “unchecked illegal migration” and its severe impact on indigenous populations across Manipur. A copy of the memorandum was also forwarded to the Governor of Manipur and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
In the memorandum dated December 4, 2025, the JTC asserts that the influx of illegal migrants—from both Myanmar and neighbouring Indian states undergoing NRC exercises—has dramatically altered the demographic balance and put pressure on land, resources, and traditional livelihoods of native communities.
The council claims that new settlements have rapidly mushroomed along major highways, allegedly linked to large-scale poppy cultivation and protected by “well-armed underground groups”.These groups, according to the JTC, control illegal taxation points on national highways, restrict movement of certain valley-based communities, and have begun renaming inter-village routes after militant leaders such as “Tiger” and “German.”
The memorandum states that many indigenous communities now “live in fear and uncertainty,” warning that rightful landowners increasingly feel they are at risk of becoming “refugees in their own homeland.”
Demands to the Central Government
The JTC urged the Prime Minister and Union Home Ministry to initiate immediate measures, including:
• Identification and deportation of illegal migrants
• Dismantling of unlawful settlements, especially those tied to poppy cultivation
• Removal of armed militant groups operating in these areas
• Restoration of movement along highways and security for indigenous villages
• Safeguarding demographic balance and cultural identity of native communities
The council stated that decisive action from the Centre is necessary to ensure the “security, dignity, and well-being” of Manipur’s indigenous peoples.
The memorandum was signed by the presidents of the Liangmai, Rongmei, Zeme, and Inpui Naga councils, who jointly appealed for urgent intervention, saying that lakhs of peace-loving citizens are deeply concerned about the future of their land and identity.