Imphal: Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has lauded the state government’s recent initiatives to fortify the Aadhaar issuance process, highlighting its crucial role in safeguarding the identity and integrity of Manipur’s indigenous populace. In a statement released on Tuesday, Singh underscored the absolute necessity for the process to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, aiming to thwart unauthorised settlements within the state.
“Manipur operates under the Inner Line Permit system. It is paramount that Aadhaar issuance and all associated procedures are meticulously aligned with ILP provisions to protect our inherent rights and prevent any form of misuse,” Singh stated, stressing the gravity of the situation.
Raising serious concerns over past deficiencies, Singh brought to light instances where individuals allegedly acquired Aadhaar and other critical documents through fraudulent means. He cited the illustrative case of the late Nehginpao Kipgen, reportedly born in Teijang, Myanmar, in 1975. Kipgen, Singh noted, subsequently settled in Manipur, pursued education both within India and internationally, and lived as an Indian citizen without his foreign origins ever being questioned or scrutinised.
Singh further alluded to a recent court-mandated investigation into the citizenship status of a Hyderabad University professor and his family. Their names, he pointed out, surprisingly appeared in the electoral rolls of Churachandpur for the first time in 2005, with no preceding records. “Such entries can subtly infiltrate the system when proper verification protocols are neglected,” he cautioned, drawing attention to the vulnerabilities.
Categorising the issue as a matter of national security, Singh stressed that Manipur’s porous border with Myanmar and its proximity to China make rigorous identity verification checks absolutely imperative. He called for enhanced coordination among Aadhaar issuing authorities, ILP enforcement agencies, and local administrative bodies to effectively prevent illegal settlements and safeguard the rights of the indigenous communities.
“This transcends being merely an administrative concern; it directly impacts the national interest,” Singh asserted, underscoring the urgent need for robust verification mechanisms in the sensitive border state.