Former Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, has strongly backed the state government’s recent move to implement stringent measures in the Aadhaar issuance process, calling it “critical” for safeguarding the integrity and identity of the people of Manipur.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Singh wrote, “I appreciate the enhanced measures recently undertaken by the State Government to strengthen and streamline the Aadhaar issuance process in Manipur. These efforts are critical to safeguarding our integrity and identity.”
His remarks came a day after the Manipur government rolled out India’s most stringent Aadhaar verification process for adults, aligning with directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).
Key Features of the New Aadhaar Issuance Process in Manipur
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Group | Adults applying for Aadhaar in Manipur |
| Approval Level | All adult applications must be mandatorily scrutinised and approved only at the State Headquarters |
| Approving Authority | Special Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur |
| Security Coordination | Aadhaar issuance must align with the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime and involve coordination with local administrative and enforcement bodies |
Linking Aadhaar with ILP: A Matter of National Security
Highlighting the relevance of the ILP (Inner Line Permit) system — which regulates the entry and stay of non-residents in Manipur — Singh emphasized the need for Aadhaar to respect this framework to prevent unauthorised settlements and protect indigenous rights.
“The Aadhaar issuance process and all related matters must always adhere to the provisions of the ILP to prevent unauthorised settlements and protect the rights of the indigenous population,” he stated.
Cases That Raised Alarm on Identity Fraud
To illustrate how inadequate scrutiny in the past led to serious lapses, Singh cited two controversial examples:
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Nehginpao Kipgen Case
Originally born in Teijang, Myanmar (Burma) in 1975.Entered Manipur for education, later studied and lived in India as a citizen.“A classic example of how unchecked processes allowed foreign-born individuals to become Indian citizens covertly,” Singh remarked.
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Hyderabad Professor’s Electoral Enrolment
A university professor and his family appeared in Churachandpur electoral rolls for the first time in 2005.No record existed before that.The Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West, had to order a police investigation to verify his citizenship status.
Call for Coordinated Action
Singh urged that such lapses must never be repeated and called for “urgent, strict, and verifiable mechanisms” involving the Home Department, Aadhaar issuing bodies, and ILP enforcement teams.
“This is not just an administrative issue but a matter of national security,” Singh warned.
With increasing concern over demographic imbalances and undocumented entries into Manipur, Singh’s endorsement of the new measures reflects a growing push from state leadership to fortify identity verification processes and uphold the rule of law.