Poor ILP checkpoints blamed for illegal immigrants' influx
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 03 2024: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has raised serious concern over the inefficient functioning of Inner Line Permit (ILP) checkpoints, stating that the same has facilitated the influx of illegal immigrants into the state amidst the ongoing Chin-Kuki aggression.

In a press statement, JCILPS criticised absence of effective vigilance mechanism at ILP check gates during the crisis and held the government accountable for the half-heartened implementation of the ILP system.

"Repeated appeals to the government to strengthen the functioning of ILP check gates and issuing authorities have gone unheeded," JCILPS stated, while asserting that had the designated personnel at the check gates and issuing offices carried out their duties diligently, the current perilous situation could have been averted.

The ILP check gates authorised to issue permits are located at Mao, Jiribam, Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Moreh, Jessami, Behiang, Sinjawl, Songsong, Singhat, and Manipur Bhavans in New Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati.

Additionally, the committee had urged the government to establish a check gate at the newly developed Maram-Peren road, which has since been set up with officials posted there.

JCILPS noted that district-level task forces have been formed to monitor.the functioning of the check gates and issuing authorities, with oversight provided by the State Level ILP Monitoring Cell.

However, despite these arrangements, violations persist.

The committee pointed out a recent incident in which police rounded up 29 individuals possessing labour permits issued in violation of norms.

Numerous cases of non-locals obtaining ILP passes using fake Aadhaar cards or labour permits have also been reported, it said, while recounting that it had raised the issue with the government multiple times and even offered manpower to conduct verification drives, but the proposal was rejected on the grounds that such drives could lead to altercations.

Despite these challenges, JCILPS has taken matters into its own hands by rounding up several individuals with fake identification cards and handing them over to the police.

However, the committee lamented the lack of stern action in such cases, despite the penalties outlined in the ILP guidelines.

The statement also criticised alleged vapid enforcement of rules prohibiting non-locals from establishing businesses without valid licenses or permits.

JCILPS decried the insincerity of officials responsible for monitoring and implementing the ILP Act, warning that without their integrity, the law could become a "minting machine" for those posted to these duties, exacerbating societal issues.

The committee highlighted the current political unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh and Myanmar, as well as the volatile situation in Mizoram, as factors contributing to the surge of illegal immigrants into the state.

JCILPS contended that these immigrants are taking advantage of the ongoing crisis in the state, further complicating the situation.

In its appeal, JCILPS urged the government to take resolute action to ensure the effective operation of ILP check gates and issuing authorities.

It called for stronger measures to prevent the influx of illegal immigrants and to safeguard the state's demographic and social stability.

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