Nongthombam Biren Singh. File | Photo credit: PTI
GUWAHATI
Former Manipur Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh called the state an “existential crisis” caused by the destruction of forests for poppy plantations.
His warning came ahead of a petition submitted by the Joint Tribal Council of Manipur (JTCM) to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to draw his attention to the impact of unchecked illegal migration from Myanmar on the state’s indigenous population.
The JCTM is an organization of the Nagas, the second largest group in Manipur. The Meiteis form the largest group while the Kukis are the third largest.
Mr Singh shared a video from the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district on Wednesday (Dec 3, 2025), writing on X: “This video shot today (Dec 3) shows why the state has experienced repeated floods. The footage shows a poppy plantation in Kolten district and Selsi Hill Ranges of IT-Road under T. Kpokpivision Sub-Road in Waichong town.”
“All our forests have been destroyed while we are trying to pull each other down. None of our leaders have spoken against such widespread devastation,” he said, trying to find out why forest department officials had not taken any action against the verdant destroyers.
“There are suspicions that armed militants are involved in these illegal activities. If we do not take concrete action, the state will face an existential crisis,” he warned.
In its memorandum to the Prime Minister through the Governor on Thursday (December 4), the JTCM had underlined a similar concern and sought his intervention to reduce the burden of illegal migration from across the border on the indigenous people of Manipur.
It claimed that the “alarming” rate of migration has far-reaching implications for the indigenous population, social security and demographic balance of Manipur. “In recent years, Manipur has witnessed a growing influx of illegal migrants from war-torn Myanmar and Indian states where the NRC (National Register of Citizens) exercise is being conducted.
“Continuous Tide”
“This constant influx has strained local resources and now poses a serious threat to the cultural identity, economic stability and traditional livelihood of the indigenous tribal communities in Manipur,” the JCTM said, adding that the situation is particularly critical along major highways where new settlements are multiplying unchecked.
“Many of these settlements are associated with massive deforestation due to an illegal activity – large-scale poppy cultivation. Several well-armed militant groups are known to protect these newly established villages,” JTCM said.
The organization said the situation has reached such a stage that migrants are claiming Naga ancestral lands as their own and demanding separate administration.
It claimed that between 1951 and 2011, there was a steady increase in the Kuki population in Manipur, from 79,919 to 4,48,214, a total growth of about 460.7% in six decades.
The JCTM urged the Center to identify and deport illegal migrants, dismantle illegal settlements, especially those involved in poppy cultivation; and remove armed militant groups from these areas to restore peace, order and a sense of security.
“We humbly request your honorable office to kindly prioritize this matter and initiate necessary measures to protect our demographic landscape and ensure the dignity, safety and welfare of all the indigenous communities of Manipur,” the memorandum to Mr. Modi, with a copy to Home Minister Amit Shah, said.
Published – 5 Dec 2025 02:28 IST
