Agencies
IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 9
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] public convention held in Imphal on Friday decided to enforce the Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur from November 19 if the Okram Ibobi Singh-government fails to do so.
The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), under whose aegis the convention was organized at Manipur Dramatic Union hall, also threatened to launch a mass movement from the same day. JCILPS is spearheading the movement for implementation of ILPS in the state.
Attended by various social and students’ bodies, activists and leaders of different communities, the convention condemned the all-party committee, set up recently to determine ways of implementing the system, for failing to find a way out. Deputy chief minister Gaikhangam is the convener of the committee.The Inner Line Permit is a document which will restrict ‘outsiders’ from entering and residing in Manipur without permission. It is currently enforced in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. It was withdrawn from Manipur in November, 1950.
According to JCILPS, implementation of ILPS will check the influx of migrants in the state and safeguard the culture, tradition, identity and demographic structure of its indigenous people.
The Manipur assembly had twice passed resolutions to urge the Centre to implement ILPS in the state. The Centre, however, rejected both appeals.
During Friday’s convention, JCILPS convener Ibotombi Khuman said the committee would launch a mass movement till the demand is met. Former minister RV Mingthing said it is the duty of the MPs and MLAs to protect the indigenous people of the state.
Various speakers questioned the state government’s failure to enact a legislation which would protect the indigenous people and expressed concern over the prolonged imposition of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.
