Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has disclosed that nine individuals, including government officials, have been arrested in connection with a scam involving the issuance of fake Inner Line Permit (ILP) cards in the state's northeastern region.
The scam, which unfolded across five different locations in Manipur, allegedly facilitated the distribution of approximately 3,500 counterfeit ILP cards meant for labor permits.
Those apprehended include a lower division clerk from the Labour Department and an official associated with the District Collector's office.
The Manipur ILP is an official document issued by the state government, permitting Indian citizens to visit Manipur for a specified period.
Addressing the media in Imphal, Chief Minister Singh expressed serious concern over the scandal and revealed that suspicions involving senior officials and businessmen prompted the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a comprehensive inquiry.
Singh emphasized that only District Collectors (DCs) and Labour Commissioners are authorized to issue ILP cards, yet unauthorized personnel were found handling these sensitive matters.
The investigation uncovered that around 3,500 ILP cards were processed through the raided locations, where authorities seized computers, laptops, and other items.
The raids, conducted at places including computer centers and mobile shops, yielded substantial evidence exposing a well-organized effort to exploit the ILP system.
Singh highlighted deficiencies in enforcing ILP regulations, particularly regarding the mandated base year of December 31, 1961, which determines eligibility for ILPs.
In response to the discovery, alerts have been issued to all police stations containing photos of individuals suspected of holding fake ILP cards. Singh called upon the perpetrators to surrender voluntarily to rectify their actions and avoid legal repercussions.
To bolster ILP administration in Manipur, Singh directed stringent measures at all ILP counters across the state, underscoring the importance of upholding the integrity of this regulatory framework introduced by the Central Government to protect the indigenous population.
"The ILP was a significant initiative by the Central Government to safeguard indigenous communities," Singh affirmed, emphasizing the need to uphold its integrity to fulfill this noble objective.
