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Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh

Shillong, June 4: Yumnam Khemchand Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, has urged the central government to accelerate the construction of fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, highlighting the area as facing significant security and humanitarian challenges.

During the 73rd plenary session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) held in Shillong, Singh pointed out that the ongoing civil unrest in Myanmar has led to a considerable influx of individuals into the border districts of Manipur, resulting in various challenges for the state.

He stated, “The civil conflict in Myanmar has resulted in a substantial number of people entering our border areas, which is putting immense strain on local resources, disrupting demographic balance, and creating serious administrative and law enforcement issues.”

Singh emphasized that the persistent turmoil in Myanmar has further strained local resources and administrative frameworks in the border regions.

Additionally, he expressed concerns regarding the exploitation of the porous border by international criminal organizations.

According to Singh, the border has been misused by drug traffickers, arms smugglers supplying weapons to non-state actors, and groups involved in human trafficking and other illegal activities.

He welcomed the Ministry of Home Affairs' initiative to erect a fence along the Indo-Myanmar border, describing it as a crucial and long-awaited step towards enhancing border security.

“This is a necessary and overdue action, and I urge that the fencing be prioritized to encompass the entire Manipur-Myanmar border,” he stated during the session.

Singh also called for a heightened focus on the Indo-Myanmar border through a blend of security measures and developmental initiatives.

These initiatives should include regulated border crossings, advanced surveillance systems, additional border outposts, improved road connectivity, and targeted development programs for border areas.

“A regularized border regime is vital for ensuring security and stability along our frontier,” he remarked.

Discussing the internal situation in Manipur, Singh noted that his government took office in a challenging environment and has been striving to restore normalcy, rebuild community trust, and foster reconciliation.

He mentioned his visits to relief camps in Jiribam and Imphal, where he engaged with displaced families and community leaders.

“Jiribam has inspired us. It is the first district in Manipur where the Meitei, Kuki, Paite, and Hmar communities have united on a common peace platform. This is the model we aim to replicate throughout the state,” he expressed.

Singh informed the plenary that the state government, with assistance from the central government, has been implementing various humanitarian measures for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Since November 2025, Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) have been provided to affected families.

He also announced that the phased resettlement of displaced families has commenced under the Rs 2,523-crore Resettlement and Rehabilitation Package, which includes additional assistance of Rs 21.70 lakh per house for approximately 7,000 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

In addition to border security and rehabilitation efforts, Singh addressed the state's ongoing anti-drug campaign and the measures being implemented to tackle climate change challenges.