How is Manipur Police Tackling Migrant Detection?

Imphal, Aug 7 (NationPress) The Manipur Police have intensified their operations to uncover illegal immigrants from neighboring countries, particularly Myanmar and Bangladesh, resulting in the detainment of 304 individuals lacking a valid Inner Line Permit (ILP), as reported by officials on Thursday.

A senior police representative disclosed that in the last week, the documentation of 2,412 people was scrutinized, revealing that 170 individuals were without an ILP permit, while 134 possessed expired ILP documents. These individuals were promptly escorted to the Mao gate ILP counter in the Senapati district to obtain the necessary ILP passes.

Up to this point, no illegal immigrants have been identified, the official noted. The operation was conducted in market regions, along the National Highway-2, and on various inter-village roads under the jurisdiction of the Senapati District Police Task Force, which was established to identify illegal migrants.

Inspections continue at all border entry points, and the special drive will persist in the coming days, the official affirmed. The ILP, established under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, is a travel document that permits Indian citizens to visit ILP-enforced states and areas for a limited duration and specific reasons.

This permit aims to safeguard the identity and existence of indigenous populations and is enforced in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur.

Acquiring the ILP is obligatory for non-indigenous residents of these northeastern states. Once the permit is secured, individuals can enter these areas for designated periods and purposes.

There have been ongoing protests advocating for the ILP in Meghalaya. Recently, the Manipur Police launched extensive search operations throughout the state to identify illegal infiltrators, including those from Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The senior official emphasized that the police are addressing the issue of illegal immigration, particularly concerning Bangladeshis, Rohingyas (from Myanmar), and Pakistani nationals, amid rising challenges and threats.

Revised guidelines outlining the procedures for detecting, restricting movement, and deporting illegal migrants have recently been issued by the police headquarters and disseminated to all 16 district Superintendents of Police throughout the state.

Additionally, a detailed standard operating procedure (SOP) for verification and identification of illegal immigrants, including those from Pakistan and Bangladesh, has been provided to ensure coordinated action at the district level, the official stated.

To enhance enforcement, Special Task Forces (STFs) have been established by all 16 district police authorities to detect, identify, and take necessary legal action against illegal immigrants residing within the state.

Senior officers are consistently conducting thorough reviews of the progress and effectiveness of the actions taken regarding this issue, the official added.

Manipur shares approximately 400 km of unfenced international border with Myanmar to the southeast, while it is surrounded by Nagaland to the north, Assam to the west, and Mizoram to the south.

Another official noted that although Manipur does not share a border with Bangladesh, neighboring states Assam and Mizoram have a porous border with it, leading to concerns about potential infiltration from that direction.