Shillong : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Thursday urged the Centre to expedite the construction of fencing along the Indo-Myanmar border, describing the frontier situation as one of the most significant security and humanitarian challenges facing the state and the Northeast.

Addressing the 73rd Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council (NEC) in Shillong, Singh said the continuing civil conflict in Myanmar has triggered a large influx of people into Manipur’s border districts, placing severe pressure on local resources and administrative systems.

“The ongoing civil conflict in Myanmar has caused a large influx of persons into our border districts, placing enormous pressure on local resources, altering the demographic balance, and creating serious administrative and law enforcement challenges,” the Chief Minister said.

He also expressed concern over the misuse of the porous international border by transnational criminal networks. According to Singh, the frontier has been exploited by drug traffickers, arms smugglers supplying weapons to non-state actors, and groups involved in human trafficking and other illegal activities.

Welcoming the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to fence the Indo-Myanmar border, Singh termed the initiative a long-awaited and critical step toward strengthening national security.

“This is an essential, long-overdue measure, and I urge that the fencing be completed on priority, covering the entire Manipur-Myanmar border,” he said.

The Chief Minister further advocated a comprehensive approach to border management, including regulated border crossings, deployment of modern surveillance systems, establishment of additional border outposts, improved road connectivity and focused border area development programmes.

“Such a regularised border regime is essential to ensure security and stability along our frontier,” he added.

Highlighting the situation within Manipur, Singh said his government inherited a difficult environment and has since been working to restore peace, rebuild trust among communities and promote reconciliation.

He cited Jiribam district as a positive example, noting that members of the Meitei, Kuki, Paite and Hmar communities had come together on a common peace platform.

 “Jiribam has given us hope. It is the first district in Manipur where Meitei, Kuki, Paite and Hmar communities have come together on a common peace platform. This is the model we seek to replicate across the state,” he said.

Singh also informed the plenary session that the state government, with support from the Centre, has been implementing humanitarian measures for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Direct Benefit Transfers (DBTs) have been provided to affected families since November 2025, while phased resettlement has begun under the Rs 2,523-crore Resettlement and Rehabilitation Package.

The package includes top-up assistance of Rs 21.70 lakh per house for around 7,000 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).

Apart from border security and rehabilitation efforts, the Chief Minister highlighted Manipur’s ongoing anti-drug campaign and measures being undertaken to address climate change-related challenges in the state.