Biren Singh cited past cases of undocumented settlements to justify strict Aadhaar scrutiny, calling it essential to protect indigenous identity.
BY PC Bureau
July 2, 2025 — Former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday hailed the government’s commitment to tightening Aadhaar issuance protocols, describing it as a vital step to “protect the identity and integrity of the indigenous population.” His remarks, posted on X , follow a series of high-level decisions aimed at aligning Aadhaar verification with the state’s Inner Line Permit (ILP) system to curb unauthorized settlements.
Singh cited past oversights—most notably the case of late Nehginpao Kipgen, reportedly born in Teijang, Myanmar, in 1975, who lived as an Indian citizen after migrating for education and later went abroad. He also referenced a 2005 probe ordered by the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Imphal West into the citizenship status of a Hyderabad University professor and his family whose names appeared in the electoral rolls of Churachandpur without traceable antecedents.
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“Such lapses must not be allowed to happen going forward,” Singh warned, calling for strict coordination between Aadhaar authorities, ILP agencies, and local bodies.
The CM framed the issue as a matter of national security, given Manipur’s porous border with Myanmar and proximity to China. His remarks come amid heightened ethnic tensions and recent violence in the state, including a June 30 ambush in Churachandpur, allegedly carried out by the United Kuki National Army (UKNA).
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.
In addition, it is equally important to remember that… pic.twitter.com/CM9MG4VVxp
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) July 2, 2025
One of the ‘Most Stringent Aadhaar Processes’ in India
A July 1 press release from the Government of Manipur outlined sweeping reforms to the Aadhaar enrollment system. In a meeting chaired by the Governor at Raj Bhavan, senior officials from UIDAI, Home, Education, and Social Welfare departments approved a centralized Aadhaar approval mechanism for all adults, now overseen directly by the Special Secretary (Home) at the State Secretariat.
An official from UIDAI termed the process “one of the most stringent in India,” highlighting that the new protocol is in full compliance with MHA and UIDAI guidelines. The procedure includes rigorous scrutiny of documents and restricts Aadhaar generation unless verified at the state headquarters level.
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Mandatory Biometric Updates and Wider Publicity
The revised system also mandates two biometric updates:
1)MBU-1 between ages 5–7
2)MBU-2 after age 15
These updates will be implemented free of charge to ensure database accuracy and prevent misuse of identity for fraudulent access to government services.
The directive, signed by Commissioner (Home) N. Ashok Kumar, instructs media houses to ensure wide dissemination of the new policy.
Tensions and Criticism
While the government argues these steps are essential for securing indigenous rights and preventing illegal infiltration, critics say the measures could lead to discrimination against ethnic minorities, especially amid current demands by the Kuki National Front (KNF) and allied groups for a separate homeland.
