Imphal, (DIPR): Chief Minister N. Biren Singh informed the media that raids were conducted at five locations where there was widespread illegal issuance and sale of Inner Line Permits (ILP).
Addressing a press briefing today at his office, the Chief Minister stated that nine persons, including one LDC from the Labour Department, have been arrested in connection with this issue. He further revealed that the investigation so far has uncovered that approximately 3,500 ILPs were prepared through the five outlets in question.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by an Additional SP rank officer will be instituted for further investigation of the case, he added. The five locations where raids were conducted are: a computer centre at Namdunglong, a mobile repairing shop at Kakhulong, a mobile shop at Thangal Bazar, a computer centre near Babupara DC Bungalow Office Gate, and the reception counter of Cecil Laboratory on RIMS Road.
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During the raids, items such as computers and laptops were seized, the Chief Minister said. The State Government views the issue of ILP very seriously, he noted, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had granted the implementation of ILP in the state to protect the indigenous population.
He called on all officers and officials involved in the implementation of ILP to act with sincerity, dedication, and nationalism. The Chief Minister also clarified that only the concerned Deputy Commissioners and the Labour Commissioner are authorized to issue ILP cards, and they cannot delegate this authority to their subordinates.
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He urged anyone with fake ILP cards to surrender to the police or concerned authorities immediately, noting that the government has implemented an ILP Facial Recognition System to identify ILP defaulters. He warned that stringent actions would be taken against anyone found misusing ILP, as per the law.
Additionally, steps have been taken to strengthen all ILP monitoring cells. The base year for ILP has been adopted as 1961, and steps will be taken to verify all ILP holders through the issuing authorities, namely the DCs and the Labour Department.
The press briefing was also attended by MLAs Th. Shyamkumar, M. Rameshwar Singh, K. Ibomcha, Th. Shanti Singh, police officials, and Home Department officials.
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