IMPHAL, Dec 3: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said he is in touch with Assam authorities over the “eviction” of some people in Karbi Anglong, and said those evicted would be allowed to return to their native villages in Manipur if they or their ancestors had been residents of the state prior to 1961.

The Chief Minister responded to media queries regarding the concerns that those evicted might seek refuge in Manipur, stating, “We have received information about the eviction. We are verifying it. If they are residents of Manipur who had settled prior to 1961, they can definitely return to their villages.” The year 1961 serves as the cut-off point for identifying illegal immigrants under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state.

Singh further explained that, according to information from Assam authorities, around 500 to 600 people were evicted from Karbi Anglong recently. He added that a list of the evicted individuals and their native villages had been provided to Manipur authorities. “Some of them are from Ukhrul and other districts,” he said. To ensure the accuracy of the claims, Singh mentioned that the concerned district Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) have been instructed to verify the details of the individuals on the list and to confirm how long they had been residing in the villages mentioned.

This move follows growing concerns about the potential migration of those evicted into adjoining areas of Manipur, with authorities taking steps to handle the situation in accordance with the state’s legal framework for residents and immigrants. The government has prioritized ensuring that only eligible residents are allowed to return, while verifying the historical residency status of the individuals affected.