Imphal: Manipur police have seized 3,500 fake labour cards and arrested nine individuals, including one staff member of the Manipur Labour Department and another from the DC’s office, on Friday from five different places in Imphal.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh informed the media at the CM’s Durbar Hall, Babupara, Imphal, that a reliable input was received from the Joint Secretary of the Home Department and the in-charge of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) cell. The input indicated the widespread issue of suspected fake ILP cards being circulated in the market, involving public authorities and money from ILP seekers.
Manipur police conducted raids at five different locations in the Imphal area, including one computer centre in Nadulong, a mobile repairing shop in Kakhulong, a mobile shop at Thangal Bazaar, a computer centre near the DC bungalow in Babupara, and the reception counter of Cell Laboratory on RIMS Road.
During the raid, the police recovered around 3,500 fake labour cards issued illegally by some government officials. Police also recovered laptops, computer sets, printers, and other electronic devices used in the crime. The CM revealed that among the nine individuals arrested, four are non-locals.
As per norms and the ILP Act passed in the Manipur Legislative Assembly, the base year for ILP is December 31, 1961. However, some officials, knowingly or unknowingly, issued ILP cards with incorrect base years, creating a loophole for fake ILP cards.
Biren stated that the authority to issue ILP cards is granted only to the DC and the Commissioner of the Labour Department. Information has been received that some DCs permitted other officials to sign ILP cards, violating the ILP Act.
He further mentioned that a Special Investigating Team (SIT) led by an Additional Superintendent of Police has been formed to thoroughly investigate the matter and apprehend those involved in the crime.
He instructed all police stations and concerned authorities to remain alert and appealed to all holders of fake ILP or labour cards to surrender them at their nearest police station. If the police detect and arrest these individuals, stringent action will be taken under the law. Biren also informed all authorities to strictly follow the norms of ILP, as published in the government gazette.
He emphasized the need for authorities to remain vigilant at entry points, including Mao Gate, Jiribam, and Bir Tikendrajit International Airport.
Responding to the media, Biren said that 24 Myanmarese illegal immigrants who were detected at Tengnoupal district are still under the custody of Manipur police. Considering the law and order situation in Myanmar, these 24 Myanmarese will be deported to Myanmar, he added.
Regarding the abrogation of the Suspension of Operations (SoO) agreement with Kuki militants and the central government, Biren said that counter-insurgency operations are still ongoing, and the central government will make its own decision regarding the extension of SoO.
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