JCILPS set to launch agitations
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 02 2015: As the much anticipated Bill to safeguard the indigenous people of the State failed to be introduced on the floor of the ongoing Assembly session, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), which has been spearheading a movement for the protection of indigenous people of the State, is all set to launch civil disobedience movement against the Government and non-cooperation movement against the non-locals with immediate effect.

Addressing a press meet this evening at its office, convener of JCILPS, Ibotombi Khuman said that the Joint Committee is convinced that the State Government has no inclination or any consideration to introduce a legislation and pass a Bill in the ongoing State Assembly session.

Police keeping a tight vigil over students who wanted to raise ILPS demand

The Govt's failure to introduce the legislation in the Assembly which ends tomorrow clearly shows the intention of the State Government regarding the implemen- tation of a law to protect the indigenous people, customs and traditions, he said.

Process for enactment of a law in this regard had begun after the All Political Party Committee for the implementation of a law similar to ILPS had submitted a report, with due consultation from legal and Constitutional experts, with recommendations to the State Government on December 10 last.

Draft "Manipur Visitors and Tenants Law 2015" was tabled by the State Government during a joint meeting with JCILPS representatives before the start of the ongoing Assembly session.

He also said that it was very unfortunate that the 60 MLAs, both on the Opposition bench and Ruling bench have failed to raise the issue even in the Zero Hour discussion.

As such, the JCILP will launch a civil disobedience movement against the Government offices and other Government establishments and a non-cooperation movement against the non-locals with immediate effect, he announced.

He also appealed to all sections of people to support the non-cooperation movement against the non-locals and asked all concerned not to buy or sell anything to the non locals and take any kind of help from them until the issue is resolved on the right note.

He also called for people's participation to pave the way for implementation of a law to safeguard the indigenous people.

Accusing Chief Minister O Ibobi and his Council of Ministers of failing to work in the interest of the people and failing to feel the sentiments of the people, the JCILPS demanded their resignation from their respective posts on moral ground.

Ibotombi also accused the CM of dishonouring the recommendations made by the All Political Party Committee.

Announcing future course of action, Ibotombi said that from March 9 onward JCILPS will launch a survey to identify non-locals in various parts of the State like it was done some months back, in collaboration with local clubs and meira paibis.

JCILPS will also start issuing identity cards to the non-locals who do not have proper identity proof from the day onward after consulting with the local clubs and meira paibis, he added.

The issuance of JCILPS cards to the non-locals will not cover employees of Central and State Government and students, he further said.