India has affirmed its decision to continue deporting Myanmar nationals who entered the country, fleeing the ongoing ethnic conflict in Myanmar. The first batch of individuals deemed to have entered India “illegally” was reportedly deported on Friday, as stated by Biren Singh, the chief minister of Manipur state. Singh explained that due to the substantial number of individuals involved, deportations would occur in stages, following legal procedures.

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The ethnic conflict in Myanmar has led to a significant influx of people, including security personnel, crossing into India and Bangladesh. Officials have detected a total of 6,746 Myanmar nationals who crossed borders “illegally” in the state from May 3, 2023, to Feb. 27, 2024. The decision to end the free movement arrangement between India and Myanmar was made amid the ongoing ethnic conflict in Myanmar, where the military, known as Tatmadaw, has faced resistance from ethnic groups since February 2021.

The conflict intensified with the formation of the Brotherhood Alliance, comprising at least three ethnic armed groups, fighting against the junta regime. These groups have been seeking control in the northern parts of Myanmar since late October, engaging in attacks on junta forces, capturing towns, and outposts. The clashes have resulted in numerous casualties, reflecting the challenging situation and ongoing violence in the region.