Influx of Immigrants in the North Eastern States of India: Exodus or Employment Evidence from Manipur

As far as the pattern of migration movement in Manipur is concerned, the quantum of migration within other occupational categories is much greater than the quantum of migration within the professional categories. This paper examines why the immigrants do not move to industrialized and metropolitan cities but rather to North-East (NE) States of India. The paper suggests that, though it is a mixture of economy, social and political motives, the main reason for their stay in Manipur is politically motivated rather than looking for employment. Otherwise they will move to those industrialized and metropolitan cities as the opportunities in those cities are far bigger than in NES. In other words, the reason behind the unabated influx of immigrant population in NE states seems that the socio-political reasons far outweigh the economic reasons. The paper identifies three possible threats due to unabated influx of immigration to this region. The first and foremost threat is the possibility of turning North East States of India into a ‘Hindu Territory’ annihilating the peaceful coexistence of multi-cultural diversity. The second threat is the indigenes losing their lands and economy. The third and final threat is politicking migrant population. Local politicians or political parties used them as a tool to gain electoral to support for themselves or their political parties but ultimately they overshadowed the local leaders as is seen in Assam.