Manipur CM launches facial recognition system for Inner Line Permits

He said the state, after seeking approval from the Union Home Ministry, engaged a reputed international firm for the installation of the FRS.

The system has been implemented on a trial basis for some time now, he said, adding that even during the trial period, the system had managed to identify defaulters of the ILPS.

Singh said the FRS system has been installed at various places, including at the Imphal airport, Jiribam, and efforts are on to install it at other places, including Khongsang Railway Station and Moreh among others.

In addition, two mobile vehicles will be stationed at different locations in Imphal East and West districts to identify ILP defaulters, Singh said, adding that in the long run, the FRS will facilitate a smoother entry and exit system for permit applicants or holders from the state.

Singh also stressed on the issue of illegal immigrants who have entered the state without valid papers. He said that approximately 410 Myanmar nationals without proper valid documents have been arrested.

The Chief Minister said the government has been focusing on checking illegal immigrants. He further said, “The committee set up to check illegal immigrants has identified more than 2,000 Myanmar nationals who have entered the state due to the conflict in their country and are being kept in shelter homes.”

The Chief Minister said Manipur shares a 398 km porous border with Myanmar. However, despite cancelling the Free Movement Regime, which allowed travel up to 16 km on both sides, the state is still unable to effectively deal with the illegal immigrant issue.

He appealed to the people of Manipur, especially those living in the border districts, to cooperate with the government, in the larger interest of India and Manipur’s security, and help in identifying the illegal immigrants so that the government may put them into proper shelter homes.