Migration and Social Tensions in Manipur

This paper aims to understand the contemporary social unrest due to uncontrolled population influx into Manipur and contextual community conflicts thereof. The state has been infiltrated with a large number of undocumented migrants since the state has porous national and international boundaries. Due to its ill-border and improper demarcation, the Indo-Myanmar border outlining on the east of Manipur, has got a serious political dispute between the two countries. On the other side, the state has also been flooded with a large number of in-migrants beyond the patience leading to the demand of Inner Line Permit (ILP) System in the state. This paper has shown a snapshot detail of the social upheavals being sprouted in different community based organisation. The demand is about policies to regulate migration and proper documentation of population infiltration at the favour of the indigenous people of Manipur. In the interim period of turbulence, the illegal migrants have impregnated a large number of paradoxical migrant voters in the state. The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, Kangleipak claimed that 71.5 % of the total voters in Jiribam Sub Division are migrants from different parts of India and other countries. Therefore, there is need to formulate a policy negotiating the pros and cons of migration into the state to prevent unwanted social chaos and conflicts. A proper documentation is required to ensure constitutional safeguard for both the local and migrant population without jeopardizing the growth and development of the state.