Imphal, Dec 3: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh stated on Monday that individuals evicted from Karbi Anglong in Assam would be allowed to return to their native villages in Manipur, provided they or their ancestors were residents of the state before 1961. The statement comes in light of reports about Kukis being displaced from alleged illegal settlements in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district.

Singh confirmed that he has been in contact with Assam authorities, who reported the eviction of around 500-600 people. A list of the evicted individuals and their native villages, including some from districts like Ukhrul in Manipur, has been provided for verification.

The Chief Minister instructed local officials, including Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Commissioners (DCs), to verify the details and confirm the length of residence of these individuals in the villages mentioned. Singh assured that those who had settled in Assam before 1961 would be allowed to return to their homes in Manipur.