Imphal : Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday welcomed the Union Government’s decision to constitute a High-Level Committee to study demographic changes in the country, describing it as a “historic and long-awaited intervention” for Manipur and other border states.

In a statement issued from Imphal, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for initiating what he termed a significant step towards addressing demographic imbalance, illegal immigration and related security concerns.

Khemchand stated that Prime Minister Modi’s announcement of a “High-powered Demography Mission” during his Independence Day address on August 15, 2025, followed by Union Cabinet approval on September 11, 2025, reflected the Centre’s commitment to addressing demographic issues affecting several parts of the country, particularly border and tribal regions.

The Chief Minister also welcomed Amit Shah’s remarks that demographic change poses a challenge not only to India’s sovereignty but also to national security, law and order, social stability and the protection of tribal communities.

According to reports, Shah stated that infiltration and other “unnatural demographic changes” represent a major challenge for both the present and future of the country. He said the newly constituted committee would conduct a comprehensive assessment of demographic shifts caused by illegal immigration and other abnormal factors and recommend time-bound solutions.

Khemchand assured that the Government of Manipur would extend full cooperation to the committee during its assessment process.

“The people of Manipur are deeply grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their unwavering commitment towards securing India’s borders and checking demographic imbalance,” the Chief Minister stated.

The High-Level Committee will be chaired by retired judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar. The panel will also include the Census Commissioner and three experts – retired IAS officer Durga Shankar Mishra, retired IPS officer Balaji Srivastava and economist Shamika Ravi.

The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) in the Ministry of Home Affairs will serve as the Member Secretary of the committee.

According to the Centre, the committee has been tasked with conducting a scientific evaluation of demographic changes occurring across India due to illegal immigration and other unusual factors. It will examine their causes, assess their impact on social and religious communities, and recommend policy, legislative and administrative measures.

The committee has been directed to submit its report within one year, though the Ministry of Home Affairs may extend its tenure by an additional six months if required.