CNI News
April 8, 2026
The issue of foreign nationals migrating into Myanmar in the form of "human waves" must be handled from a national security perspective, Dr. Aye Maung, Chairman of the Arakan Front Party (AFP), told CNI News.
He emphasized that this is a demographic invasion of the nation’s sovereign territory and that the Ministry of Immigration must carry out its duties free from corruption.
"First, we must fence the borders. India is a prime example; they had to solve the problem of human-wave migration from other countries. That’s why they built fences. They even have laws allowing lethal force against those crossing illegally. Marking and securing sovereign boundaries is essential," Dr. Aye Maung said.
He further noted that the government must distinguish between illegal migrants and genuine Myanmar citizens or indigenous ethnic groups. "The government has a duty to manage the people living within the country according to existing citizenship laws. All departments must verify these statuses, and it is vital that these departments remain free from bribery. A government's duty is to manage affairs so that all citizens and ethnic groups can live together in peace and security," he added.
Immigration officials conducting a population census.
Dr. Aye Maung continued by stating that the government needs long-term strategic goals and that citizens must unite to protect the country.
"If we ignore immigration issues, it will be impossible for this country to be sustainable in the long run. The ministry responsible for registration and the census carries a massive burden. The old slogan 'A race is not swallowed by the earth, but by another race' isn't enough; we need actual practice and strict implementation by all ministries," he said.
Currently, Rakhine State faces a severe migration crisis involving Bengalis. Simultaneously, Muslim armed groups such as ARSA, ARA, and RSO are demanding that townships like Buthidaung, Maungdaw, and Rathedaung be designated as a "liberated zone."
Military and political analysts point out that "demographic invasion" is a tactic used to occupy and dominate territory through population numbers without firing a single shot. Therefore, many countries strictly enforce immigration laws to protect their national security.
Analysts cited the United States, where both the Biden and Trump administrations have treated the U.S.-Mexico border as a national security issue, using fencing and strict enforcement to manage mass migration.
A road junction in Rakhine State.
Dr. Nyo Nyo Thin, founder of Yangon Watch, told CNI News that every country must strictly manage its borders, and Myanmar, being adjacent to countries with massive population explosions, is no exception.
"Even a major democracy like the U.S. has to do this. I hope this government acts as quickly as possible during its term. Only then can we prevent unwanted problems in Rakhine State. From a peace perspective, social harmony is crucial. People must live according to the law; therefore, border fences and systematic immigration enforcement are mandatory security measures," she said.
Myanmar shares borders with China, India, and Bangladesh—all countries with immense populations. The migration of Bengalis from Bangladesh into Rakhine State has historically led to communal conflicts with the native Arakanese people.
The report also highlighted recent geopolitical concerns: On April 27, 2025, Bangladesh’s Jamaat-e-Islami party met with Chinese Communist Party representatives in Dhaka to seek support for an independent state for Bengalis in Rakhine.
Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina previously claimed a "white-skinned country" offered to create a new Christian state from parts of Myanmar and Bangladesh, a proposal she refused after which students' protest arose and then she was ousted in August 2024 and she fled to India.
Historical Precedent: Between 1948 and 1961, Mujahideen rebels in northern Rakhine (Mayu District) rebelled with the intent to create an Islamic state or join Pakistan.
