The Assam Rifles has issued a clarification regarding certain news reports based on a recent statement made by Director General of Assam Rifles, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera.
The Assam Rifles stated that during a seminar held at Manipur University on August 20, Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, shared insights on the new Free Movement Regime (FMR) policy of the government, under which Myanmarese nationals are now being mapped.
The seminar was conducted at Manipur University as part of an academic collaboration between the Assam Rifles and the University.
Clarifying that the DG’s statement is being misrepresented by certain media outlets, the release quoted Lt Gen Lakhera as saying: "After the new FMR policy came into effect, the Myanmarese nationals entering India through crossing points are now being mapped. Since December, 42,000 individuals have been mapped with the help of biometrics and various measures instituted by all concerned government agencies. The data is being shared with all government agencies."
The release further stated that Myanmarese citizens primarily stay temporarily in the northeastern states of India—mainly Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh—and eventually return to their country as per the provisions of the new FMR policy.
The Assam Rifles requested media houses not to misconstrue or twist the statement and to reflect the facts in their correct context.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
