New Delhi: Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked north eastern States of Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur to prevent influx of refugees from neighbouring Myanmar.
In a communication, the Ministry said State governments have no power to grant refugee status to any foreigners.
The Central Government has written a letter to the states asking them to take appropriate action as per law to check illegal influx from Myanmar into India.
“As you are aware, there is a probability of large scale illegal influx into Indian territory through India-Myanmar Border (IMB) due to current internal situation in Myanmar. In this regard, MHA has already issued an advisory dated February 25 to Chief Secretaries of Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh and also to Border Guarding Force (BGF) along the IMB, and Assam Rifles to stay alert and take appropriate action to prevent a possible influx into Indian territory,” MHA said in the letter.
The Ministry added that it has been reported that illegal influx from Myanmar has started and agencies have been asked to identify migrants and initiate the deportation processes without delay.