‘The catastrophe’ : What is wrong with ILPS?
- Imphal Times Editorial :: May 22 2016 -

Is somebody or some groups of individuals intentionally trying to sabotage the ILPS movement?- a matter that need to be pondered upon and an issue urgently required checking by the so called members of the JCILPS spearheading the movement.

It stands as a fact that people in Hill areas of Manipur are strongly opposing the 3 ILPS related Bills.

Even the MLAs who had not opposed to the passing of the 3 ILPS related Bills in the state Assembly on August 31, 2015 have now started putting up objection to the Bills; albeit in an unofficial yet no uncertain manner.

The valley based civil society organizations and the JCILPS will not easily give up the demand.

They had done, are doing and are likely to continue every form of agitation in the coming days until the 3 Bills get assent of the President.

It is also true that whether the Bills get assent of the President or not is not under the purview of the state government.

However, what the JCILPS is urging the government is to constitution some of the commissions that is agreed and is under the power of the state government.

It is because of the negligence on the part of the State government in dealing with the peoples’ issues in time that people are suffering in the state.

Daily wage earners, families who subsist on hand to mouth by depending at Khwairamband keithel now face the worst situation in their lives as they failed to keep in stock the requirements for their family.

Today is the second day of the JCILPS agitation. The first day witnessed one of the most shocking incidents in which a father who was returning home after buying cake for his kid’s birthday succumbed to his injury after some so called JCILPS agitation supporters attacked him for violating the bandh at Uripok area.

One could only wonder as to what would be the situation today. There is deepening apprehension about more people facing the same fate if the situation continues.

May be the worst nightmare is materialising in the coming days and there seem to be something seriously wrong somewhere. This is about Manipur and nobody should be allowed to play with the fate of this erstwhile kingdom.

The situation now in Manipur is serious to put it mildly and there are reasons to believe that these are the game plan of the political parties; both of those in power as well as those who are trying to topple the present ruling party.

This is being opined because, even after knowing that the people are facing the worst situation Mr. Ibobi has not spelled a single definite word to calm the anger of the people.

The 60 MLAs whether those supporting the Bills or the ones compelled to stand up against the Bills are all responsible to a degree.

Why not convene an emergency sitting of the state legislative assembly to discuss the prevailing issue?

If logic is to be followed, the ILPS related Bills will remain only a dream for the state unless there is consensus among the people of both Hill and valley.

Imphal Times had yesterday drawn the attention of the government to once more go through the content of the Bills along with those opposing the Bills.

Earlier this paper also suggested the ILPS system be applied only at the four valley districts as the remaining five Hill district are already protected as it is included in the scheduled area.

For three consecutive terms you are in Power, Mr. Ibobi, and the fourth term is going to be a big challenge for you.

Please don’t ruin the state in your gambit to retain power at any cost.