Why Did the Former Manipur CM Support Stringent Aadhaar Norms?
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Synopsis
Former Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh applauds the state's tough Aadhaar issuance norms designed to block illegal foreigners from acquiring identification. As the state enforces rigorous checks, Singh emphasizes the importance of protecting local identity and national security amidst evolving demographic challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Stringent Aadhaar norms are now in place in Manipur.
- The ILP system helps regulate non-residents.
- Stringent checks are crucial for national security.
- Instances of illegal residency highlight the need for verification.
- Collaboration among authorities is essential for effective implementation.
Imphal, July 2 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, expressed his support for the state government's implementation of stringent Aadhaar issuance norms aimed at preventing illegal foreigners from acquiring Aadhaar cards.
On Tuesday, Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar stated that the rigorous scrutiny and high-quality verification processes ensure that unauthorized foreigners cannot obtain Aadhaar cards in the state.
He emphasized that Manipur has established one of the most rigorous systems for issuing adult Aadhaar cards in India. This system follows the guidelines set by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) and ensures that Aadhaar applications are thoroughly verified before approval.
A high-level meeting convened at Raj Bhawan on Tuesday, led by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, reviewed the Aadhaar enrolment, updates, and related services within the state. Former Chief Minister Singh commended the recent measures taken by the state government to enhance and streamline the Aadhaar issuance process in Manipur.
He noted that these initiatives are vital for preserving the integrity and identity of the state's residents.
Singh pointed out that it is crucial to remember that Manipur operates under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, which regulates the entry and stay of non-residents. The Aadhaar issuance process must comply with the ILP provisions to prevent unauthorized settlements and protect the rights of the indigenous community.
He highlighted instances where individuals lacking citizenship in Manipur managed to reside in the state using dubious documents.
For instance, he cited the case of the late Nehginpao Kipgen, who was born in Teijang, Myanmar, in 1975 but later came to Manipur for education, eventually living as an Indian citizen.
Singh indicated that this situation exemplifies how the origins of certain individuals were not thoroughly investigated, allowing them to become citizens of India through unchecked processes over time.
Additionally, he noted a case where the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Imphal West ordered police to conduct a comprehensive investigation to verify the citizenship of a Hyderabad University professor and his family, as their names appeared in electoral records for the first time in 2005 with no prior documentation.
“This situation underscores the seriousness of the issue and how such entries can inadvertently infiltrate the system without proper checks,” he stated.
Singh stressed that such oversights must not occur in the future, advocating for stringent verification processes and collaboration among Aadhaar issuing authorities, ILP enforcement agencies, and local administrations to ensure that identity documents are only granted to rightful individuals.
This is not merely an administrative concern; it is a matter of national security, he asserted, especially given that Manipur shares a porous border (398 km) with Myanmar and is in proximity to China, making strict identity checks crucial for safeguarding the nation’s security and interests.
Point of View
It's imperative to recognize that initiatives aimed at tightening Aadhaar issuance in Manipur reflect a broader effort to protect national integrity. The concerns raised about illegal immigrants highlight the urgent need for robust verification mechanisms. While these measures may seem localized, they carry significant implications for national security and the safeguarding of indigenous rights.
NationPress
04/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new Aadhaar issuance norms in Manipur?
The new norms involve rigorous checks and scrutiny processes to prevent illegal foreigners from obtaining Aadhaar cards, ensuring that only rightful citizens are granted identification.
Why is the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system important?
The ILP system regulates the entry and stay of non-residents in Manipur, ensuring that the rights of the indigenous population are protected.
How does this impact national security?
With Manipur sharing a porous border with Myanmar and proximity to China, strict identity checks are essential to safeguard the nation’s security and interests.
Who is N Biren Singh?
N Biren Singh is the former Chief Minister of Manipur, who has been vocal about the importance of stringent Aadhaar norms to protect the state's integrity.
What cases illustrate the need for stricter checks?
Singh cited cases of individuals obtaining residency in Manipur through questionable documentation, indicating the need for thorough scrutiny.
