ILP demand: Hunger striker lands in judicial custody
I will not give up fast even if I die: BK Sharma
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 08 2012: Even as Kakchingtabam Birahari Sharma, the Advisor of Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FREINDS), who was taken into custody by the police last night, was produced before the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Imphal West this afternoon, the 72-year gutsy hunger strike has made it clear that he would not give up his fast even if he lost his life.

Born in Thoubal Wangmataba but currently a resident of Thongju Part-II, 72-year old Kakchingtabam Birahari Sharma, who is popularly known as KB Sharma, launched a fast unto death stir over the demand for re-implementation of ILP at the community hall of Kwakeithel Akham Leikai since July 6.However, he was picked up by a police team at around 11 pm yesterday and lodged him at the security ward of JNIMS for the night.

To seek further judicial remand, BK Sharma was produced before the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Imphal West in the afternoon today.

The hunger striker has been booked under Section 309 of IPC which relates to attempt to commit suicide.

"Fast unto Death" on July 6 2012 by Kakchingtabam Bihari, Advisor - FREINDS demanding for ILP Pix : Bunti Phurailatpam

Talking to mediapersons while being bought to the court, BK Sharma categorically stated that he has already given up his life for the cause of the people.

So, he would not give up his fast even if he lost his life.

Calling upon all the people in the state for continued movement, he observed that people both in the hills and the valley are one family.

Questioning the sincerity of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh towards a justified public demand like reintroduction of ILP, BK Sharma asserted that Ibobi has always been against the integrity of Manipur so much so he even raised objection during the discussion on ILP demand in the State Cabinet yesterday.

"Re-introduction of ILP in Manipur is essential today to regulate entry of outsiders.

But it does not meant stopping outsiders from coming to Manipur.

ILP is the only means to save the indigenous people from becoming minority in their homeland", he reiterated.

Meanwhile, protest demonstrations continued to be witnessed over the demand for reimplementation of ILP in the state.

Members of Uripok Singda Road Motor Owners' Transport Co-operative Society Limited, Siroy Society and Uripok Kangchup Road Auto Rickshaw Owners and Drivers Co-operative Society suspended their day's service and staged a protest demonstration under the fly-over bridge in front of Uripok Cheirap Court today.

Hunger striker KB Sharma being brought to the court of JM First class, Imphal West for further remand

Talking to mediapersons on the sideline of the demonstration, President of Uripok Kangchup Road Autorickshaw Owners and Drivers' Co-operative Society N Tondon Singh said that re-introduction of Inner Line Permit system is the bounden duty of everyone in the state today.

So, the government of Manipur should not remain quiet over the demand.

Secretary of Uripok Singda Road Motor Owners' Transport Co-operative Society Haisnam Iboyaima noted that with uninterrupted flow of outsiders, indigenous people are becoming minority in their own land.

So, to save the indigenous people, regulation of entry of outsiders is very essential, and this could be possible only through re-introduction of Inner Line Permit System.

Wakat Meephams and protest rallies were also witnessed over the demand for reintroduction of Inner Line Permit system in the state today.

Under the aegis of Chanura Lamjing Kangleipak (CLK), a protest rally was taken out from Senjam Chirang Youth ground to Spinning Mill.

The protest rally was participated by members of Senjam Chirang Youth Club, Konu Lairembi Thougal Lup, Lamshang-Khumbong Road Spinning Mill to Imphal Auto Service, Senjam Khunou Meira Paibis.

At the Super Market located in front of Manipur University, Social Education Voluntary Atheltic (SEVA) organised a Wakat Meepham to press the demand for re-introduction of ILP in Manipur and exert pressure on the State government to take a definite decision in this regard during the ongoing Assembly session.