Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh confirmed on Monday that 29 suspected Bangladeshis, who were carrying Aadhaar cards issued in Assam, were arrested in Imphal West district. Acting on a tip-off, police detained the individuals, who were working at a bakery in the Mayang Imphal Bengoon area.
The arrested individuals were found in possession of Aadhaar cards issued in Assam and were taken into custody based on suspicion. CM Biren Singh mentioned that they had violated the Inner Line Permit (ILP) norms of the Manipur government. The chief minister stated that, since the documents indicated they were from Assam, the 29 detainees would be handed over to Assam authorities on Tuesday.
The chief minister also revealed that a revenue department official responsible for issuing ILPs to these individuals has been suspended. He questioned the integrity of those tasked with implementing ILP regulations, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the state’s residents from illegal immigration.“
We suspect there might be illegal immigrants from Bangladesh in Manipur,” Biren Singh remarked.
In another development, regarding the case of Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a man who went missing from an army camp in Leimakhong, Kangpokpi district, CM Biren Singh assured that security forces were actively searching for him. Helicopters were deployed by the army to assist in the search, though no updates on his whereabouts have been received. Singh’s wife, Akoijam Ningol Laishram Ongbi Belarani, along with other women, is leading protests in Manipur, voicing concerns over her husband’s safety. Singh, originally from Assam’s Cachar district, had been residing at his brother’s home in Loitang Khunou while working at the camp.
The disappearance has led to widespread protests across the Imphal Valley, with calls for immediate action. The Army has intensified its search efforts and has issued a statement regarding the ongoing operations.
