Dimapur, June 4: Even as Manipur continues to witness daily protests on the issue of Inner Line Permit (ILP) with the three controversial bills at the heart of it, an “All Party delegation” led by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh arrived in the capital today. The delegation is in Delhi to pressurise the Central government to give President’s assent to the three bills which are currently under consideration.
A press release issued by Manipur Tribals’ Forum Delhi (MTFM) said the delegation, which was formed last week at the behest of protestors supporting the Bills in the Imphal valley, was a misnomer as it did not consult nor include an important regional political party including the Naga People’s Front (NPF). The Forum Convenor, T Romeo Hmar, and the co-convenor, J Maivio, said calling the delegation “all-party delegation” was a blatant lie and an attempt to mislead the Central government.
Tribals in Manipur have been agitating against the three bills demanding justice for the 9 martyrs and political solution for the last 9 months. However, the voices and cries of the tribals were never heard by the Manipur Government as well as the political parties which are part of the delegation.
MTFD, in close co-ordination with tribal student bodies in Delhi, gathered to greet the delegation on their arrival at Manipur Bhavan with placards, some of which read, “We’ll finish what our Martyrs started,” “Manipur tribals: Silent no more,” “Kill the anti-tribal Bills,” “India, hear our cries,” “Manipur MLAs: Blood on your hands”, etc.
