GUWAHATI: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Monday that 29 individuals suspected to be Bangladeshi nationals were apprehended in Imphal West district. Acting on a tip-off, police arrested the group, employed at a bakery in the Mayang Imphal Bengoon area.
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The suspects were found in possession of Aadhaar cards issued in Assam but were detained for violating the Inner Line Permit (ILP) norms of the Manipur government, the Chief Minister stated. "They were arrested on suspicion, and as their documents suggest they are from Assam, they will be handed over to Assam authorities on Tuesday," Manipur chief minister said to media.
A revenue department official responsible for issuing the ILPs to the group has been suspended. Singh remarked, "The Centre has implemented the ILP system in Manipur to protect its residents. What will happen if those tasked with enforcing it engage in corrupt practices?" He also raised concerns about potential illegal immigration from Bangladesh into the state.
The chief minister also addressed the case of Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, who went missing from an army camp in Leimakhong, Kangpokpi district. "Security forces, including teams using helicopters, are actively searching for him. However, no information about his whereabouts has been received yet," he stated.