Manipur CM calls decision on high-level panel on demographic changes historic, praises PM Modi
Imphal, May 27
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday said the Centre's decision to constitute a high-level committee to study demographic changes in the country was historic.
He expressed profound appreciation to the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for its decision to constitute the high-level committee.
Lauding the initiative as a historic step, the Chief Minister noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration of a "High-powered Demography Mission" on August 15, 2025, followed by the Union Cabinet's approval on September 11, 2025, represents a historic and long-awaited intervention for the people of Manipur and other border states.
The Chief Minister also appreciated Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement that demographic change is a serious problem linked not only to India's sovereignty but also to national security, law and order, major changes in the social structure, and the protection of tribal societies.
He assured that the Manipur government will extend full cooperation to the High-Level Committee, which will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the demographic changes occurring across India due to illegal immigration and other abnormal reasons.
Chief Minister Singh said the people of Manipur are deeply grateful to PM Modi and HM Amit Shah for their unwavering commitment to securing India's borders and checking demographic imbalance.
Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Naolekar will be the Chairman of the High-Level Committee. In addition to the Census Commissioner, three distinguished experts -- Durga Shankar Mishra (retired IAS), Balaji Srivastava (retired IPS), and Dr Shamika Ravi (economist) -- will be the members of the committee.
The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I), Ministry of Home Affairs, will be the Member Secretary of the Committee. This Committee will submit its report within one year. If necessary, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) may extend the tenure of the committee by up to six months.
Meanwhile, announcing the formation of the High Level Committee, Home Minister Shah on Tuesday said in a post on X, "Demographic Change is a serious issue linked not only to our sovereignty but also to national security, law and order, profound changes in social structure, and the preservation of tribal society."
"This committee will conduct a comprehensive assessment of demographic changes occurring across India due to illegal immigration and other unnatural causes, analyse patterns of abnormal population shifts at the levels of religious and social communities, and present a planned and time-bound solution for the same," the Home Minister stated.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting move. The inclusion of former judges and experts like Shamika Ravi suggests a serious approach. I just hope this isn't another committee whose report collects dust. Need concrete implementation and timelines for border security.
As someone from the Northeast, I can say this issue is very close to our hearts. The demographic changes in states like Manipur, Nagaland, Assam have been alarming. PM Modi and HM Shah deserve credit for addressing what previous governments ignored. This is not about politics, it's about survival of indigenous communities.
One year to submit report? Should be faster given the urgency. But better late than never. I appreciate the focus on national security and social structure. Let's see if they include recommendations on better border fencing and biometric tracking of immigrants in border states.
While I support the intent, we must ensure this committee doesn't become a tool to target minorities or create unnecessary fear. Demographic change is a complex issue involving economics, climate, and historical migrations. I hope the committee takes a balanced view and doesn't just focus on one community.
Amazing to see the Centre finally acknowledging what every Manipuri has known for years! Illegal immigration is changing the very fabric of our society. The fact that PM Modi mentioned this in his 2025 Independence Day speech shows consistent commitment. Kudos to the Chief Minister for pushing this forward. 👏
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