Campaign for ILP regulation launched
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 10 2012:
A people's movement more potent than the June 18 uprising is necessary in order to pave way for the implementation and regulation of Inner Line Permit System in the State, said Manipur titular king, Leishemba Sanajaoba.
He was speaking at the launching ceremony of a signature campaign for the implementation of ILP in the State today at Sana Konung, (Palace Compound) under the aegis of Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FREINDS) .
Titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba said the indigenous people of Manipur would become extinct if the implementation of ILP is not ensured before the commissioning of rail link in the State.
Emphasising that the movement should be participated by all sections of the society including the 60 MLAs, he said it should not only be left to the FREINDS alone while adding that the 60 MLAs might not enjoy their status when non-locals overpopulated the indigenous people.
He also recalled that the 'passport system' was regulated in olden days Manipur to protect the indigenous population.
Sanajaoba said the Government does not hear the voice of the people unless a violent form of protest is staged while adding that a mass movement more potent than the June 18 uprising is necessary to draw the attention of the Government in this matter.
Stating that non-local populations are given protection by some politicians as their vote bank here, he said neighbouring states maintain strict vigil on the movement of outsiders in their respective state.
Speaking at the occasion, general secretary of FREINDS, Joy Chingakham said in some states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh where ILP is implemented, indigenous people could check the rampant migration of outsiders.
Non-locals are not allowed to own land and were not given permanent settlement permit in these states, he noted while adding that the opening of Trans-Asian Highway that passes through Manipur would be a threat to the indigenous population in the absence of proper regulation of ILP system in the State.
Joy Chingakham further stated that the signature campaign would cover hill and valley areas of the State.
The launch ceremony was attended by FREINDS advisers, and representatives of various civil society organisations.