Regional police arrested 10 Myanmar nationals in Churachandpur District in the Indian state of Manipur. Manipur police arrested Myanmar handloom workers in Vaal area of New Lanka on February 5th.

"Last night, the Manipur police raided the handloom factory and arrested about 10 people. Now, no one dares to stay in their own homes and hide in the forest," said a Myanmar handloom worker in Manipur.

Most of those arrested are locals of Monywa Township in Sagaing Division and have been making a living as handloom workers while fleeing to Manipur due political and military strife in Myanmar.

There are a few hundred of Myanmar handloom workers arriving in New Lanka, and the state government has often targeted and arrested them in the past.

On January 27th, more than 80 Myanmar refugees were also arrested near Lhang Chan and Nee yu Sal Bon villages in Moreh Township.

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh posted on his social media page that 10 illegal Myanmar migrant workers have been arrested and action will be taken against those who accepted them. He also urged the local public to contact the authorities if they found illegal migrant workers.