A revealing documentation titled “The Implosion” was officially released today at the Manipur Press Club, shedding light on the long-overlooked issue of illegal immigration and refugee settlement in Manipur over the past century.
Published by the Indigenous People’s Forum Manipur (IPFM), the book presents archival data and documented instances dating back to the 1920s, tracing how unchecked influx has gradually altered the demographic contours of the state.
The launch event witnessed the presence of several civil society leaders and concerned voices, including activist Philem Rohan Singh, IPFM President Ashang Kasar, Athon Gangmei of the Imphal Naga Forum, Thotreingam Keitang from the Manipur Naga Youth Organisation, and Sujata, President of Imagi Meira.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, IPFM President Ashang Kasar described the issue as a “silent implosion” — one that threatens the indigenous identity, land rights, and cultural security of Manipur. He noted that the book documents the timeline and locations where refugee settlement began, based on extensive records sourced from the Manipur State Archives and other historical repositories. He urged the government and all relevant stakeholders to undertake immediate introspection and implement concrete measures to safeguard the interests of native communities.
Speakers at the function echoed similar concerns, warning that failure to act decisively could have irreversible consequences for Manipur’s indigenous populations. They emphasized that “The Implosion” is not just a book but a call to action, offering a well-researched resource for journalists, academics, and policymakers engaging with the state’s evolving demographic challenges.
