Imphal: Chief Minister N Biren Singh issued a stern warning to District Magistrates and the Labour Commissioner of Manipur following the detection of 3,500 illegally issued Inner Line Permits (ILPs) and labour cards to outsiders. Unauthorized personnel were found to be responsible for these illegal issuances.
The Chief Minister revealed that nine individuals, including four non-Manipuris and a Lower Division Clerk (LDC) from the state government, have been arrested. A large number of illegally issued labour cards were also seized.
Addressing the media, Biren Singh stated that only Deputy Commissioners and the Labour Commissioner are authorized to issue such cards. However, some top officials had delegated this responsibility to junior officials, resulting in widespread illegal issuances.
Emphasizing the need for honesty and dedication among officials, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of fulfilling duties with a sense of nationalism to protect the state.
A Special Investigating Team (SIT), led by an Additional SP rank officer, has been formed to investigate further. The investigation revealed that around 3,500 ILPs were issued through five locations in Imphal city. Raids were conducted at a computer center in Namdunglong, a mobile repair shop in Kakhulong, a mobile shop in Thangal Bazar, a computer center near Babupara DC Bungalow Office Gate, and the reception counter of Cecil Laboratory on RIMS Road. Items such as computers and laptops were seized during the raids.
The State Government takes the issue of ILPs very seriously, the Chief Minister said, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi granted the implementation of ILP in the state to protect the indigenous population.
Biren Singh urged those with fake ILP cards to surrender to the police or concerned authorities immediately. He mentioned that the government has implemented an ILP Facial Recognition System to identify defaulters and warned of stringent legal actions against those misusing ILPs.
Steps are being taken to strengthen all ILP monitoring cells, and the base year for ILP verification has been set as 1961. Verification of all ILP holders will be conducted through the issuing authorities, the DCs, and the Labour Department.
