IMPHAL, Dec 2: In a significant enforcement move, a team from Mayang Imphal Police Station conducted a special Inner Line Permit (ILP) checking drive in the Bengoon area. During the operation, 29 individuals, who were employed at a bakery, were found to possess Labour Category ILPs that violated the Manipur ILP Guidelines of 2019, as amended in 2022.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, speaking at a press conference at the CM Secretariat on Monday, confirmed that upon verification by the Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West, it was found that the ILPs were issued in breach of the established norms. According to the Manipur ILP Guidelines, Labour Category ILPs are issued strictly to groups or individuals employed by contractors, firms, or companies involved in construction-related work, with validity for a specific duration. However, the apprehended individuals were instead eligible for Regular ILPs, which require sponsorship from a permanent resident of Manipur and are valid for a period of 90 days.

Although the individuals presented Aadhaar cards listing Assam as their permanent address, they were suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals. As a result, their Labour Category ILPs were canceled, and all 29 individuals were deported to their respective home states.

Following the breach, the Manipur Home Department has instructed the District Administration and the Deputy Labour Commissioner to investigate the lapses and take strict action against any government officials involved in the improper issuance of the permits.

In response to this violation and to enhance the ILP system’s effectiveness, the state government has formed a high-level committee to review the overall implementation of the ILP framework. The committee, chaired by the Commissioner (Home), Manipur, includes representatives from the UIDAI, the Chief Electoral Officer, the Land Resource Department, and district-level officials, such as District Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendents of Police (SsP). The committee has been given 15 days to submit its findings and recommendations.

The Chief Minister also urged all ILP applicants and holders to verify their permits and ensure they apply under the correct category to avoid complications. He emphasized the government’s commitment to strict adherence to the ILP system to safeguard the state’s demographic integrity.

To further strengthen the ILP framework, the state government is planning infrastructure upgrades at ILP gates and monitoring cells across districts. Additionally, amendments to the ILP guidelines are expected to address ground-level challenges and reinforce enforcement measures.