IMPHAL, May 27: Manipur Chief Minister Shri 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 the move as a “historic and long-awaited intervention” for Manipur and other border states.
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| Manipur Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh. (File Photo) |
In a statement issued from Imphal, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah for initiating what he termed a significant step towards addressing demographic imbalance, illegal immigration, and related security concerns.
Khemchand said Prime Minister Narendra 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 seriousness in addressing demographic issues affecting several parts of the country, particularly border and tribal regions.
The Chief Minister further appreciated Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s remarks that demographic change posed a serious challenge not only to India’s sovereignty but also to national security, law and order, social stability, and the protection of tribal societies.
According to reports, Amit Shah stated that infiltration and other “unnatural demographic changes” represent a major challenge for 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 suggest time-bound solutions.
The Chief Minister assured that the Government of Manipur would extend full cooperation to the High-Level 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,” Khemchand 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 Shri Durga Shankar Mishra, retired IPS officer Shri Balaji Srivastava, and economist Dr. Shamika Ravi.
The Joint Secretary (Foreigners-I) in the Ministry of Home Affairs will serve as the Member Secretary of the committee.
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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 the impact on social and religious communities, and recommend policy, legislative, and administrative interventions.
The committee has been directed to submit its report within one year, although the Ministry of Home Affairs may extend its tenure by an additional six months if required.
