Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 15:
To stop the notion of dependence on outsiders for the survival of Manipuri society, there is the urgent need to direct our attention to the concept of economic nationalism, president of Federation of Regional Indigenous Society (FREINDS) Sapam Jadumani has stated.
Speaking at the first anniversary of FREINDS at Kangla Hall here today as one of the presidium members, Jadumani said now is not the time to keep quite by the indigenous people at such a critical juncture when the number of outsiders is going to outnumber the indigenous population.
Out of the total population of the State recorded in the Census 2001, outsiders comprise of 7,04,488, he said, adding such drastic increase in the number of outsiders within such a short period of leaving Manipur by the Britishers could pose a serious threat not only on the national character of its indigenous people but as well as on the integrity and unity of the State.
Cautioning the people to remain alert in the face of the alleged population war of Indian Government, Jadumani wondered what hidden agenda could be there behind the unwillingness of Indian Government to reintroduce Inner Line Permit system to regulate influx of outsiders in Manipur.
The State Government should also remain no more indifferent to the demand for reintroduction of Inner Line Permit system and a Cabinet decision should be taken in this regard at the earliest to do the needful, he demanded.
AMUCO president R Yangsosong Koireng, IPSA president H Ibotombi Khuman, UPF president Th Mangi, HERICOUN vice president Y Renghang Chothe, convenor of All Manipur tribal Women Association Kim Ngangte and president of Kabui Mothers' Association Lukakomlunglu Kamei were among the other presidium members of the function.
Other presidium members and invitees who spoke at the occasion also stressed on the need to reintroduce Inner Line Permit system in Manipur to stop influx of outsiders and exert pressures on the Government collectively in this regard.
While maintaining that the outsiders mostly sneaked into Manipur through National Highway 53, they also charged the politicians and other vested interested parties with encouraging the outsiders to come to Manipur and protecting them.
Commencing with hoisting of flag, the first anniversary function concluded with staging of the Shumang Leela Machanupi Ahum by Lamjingba Artistes' Association.