Distribution of SIM cards : Antecedents not verified : SF
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 24 2016:
The
security forces have expressed
serious concern over
distribution of pre-activated
SIM cards at Khoupum Valley
without verification of
antecedents of the customers.
An army column discovered
that one Micah Kamei was
distributing free, pre-activated
SIM cards to the villagers at
Khoupum Valley without any
paperwork, said a press release
issued by PIB (DW).
The TRAI has laid down
guidelines for all telecom
companies under which the
verification of all customers
with respect to their identity
as well as proof of residence
is mandatory.
This process has been sub-
verted by Airtel wherein the
private company is distribut-
ing SIM cards in the villages
of Khoupum Valley without
getting any forms filled.
This
practice would ultimately lead
to the SIM cards reaching the
wrong hands and enabling in-
surgent groups to use these
SIM cards for extortion and
violence related activities in
the region, the press release
said.
The security forces have
been able to maintain a stable
security situation in the re-
mote areas of Manipur after a
concerted effort in which the
State police have also contrib-
uted considerably.
However, the insurgent
groups are trying to pressu-
rize the villagers in such
remote areas by forcing them
to pay taxes, the press release
said Getting access to unauthorized SIM cards would allow them to
threaten village chiefs as well as villagers who do not cooperate
with them and they would also be able to get advance information
of any move of security forces through their informers.
Since their true identity would remain hidden even in the
records of the telecom company, they would be able to carry
out all illegal transactions through such mobile connections
with impunity, the press release said.
It further said that the telecom companies need to realise the
security implications of such malpractices and take all effective
measures to ensure that SIM cards are only issued to bonafide
persons who have valid identity and address proofs.
Two FIRs have been lodged in Bishnupur police station
against Micah Kamei and Airtel for not adhering to the TRAI
regulations, the press release said.
The concerns of the security forces have been shared with
the police as well, it added.