PIL withdrawn from Gauhati HC ; Joint Committee on ILP formed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 05 2012: In a move to strengthen the ongoing movement being spearheaded by Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FREINDS) to press the demand for re-implementation of Inner Line Permit(ILP) system in Manipur, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Gauhati High Court has been withdrawn and Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit (ILP) has been formed.

Announcing this during a press conference at the office of HERICOUN here today, Sapamcha Jadumani, Convener FRIENDS informed that FREINDS had conducted around 400 public meetings and agitations over the demand for re-implementation of ILP in Manipur.

The agitations were supported by the people of the state and various other organizations, both from the hills and the plains, and it was with their support that the decision to form the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit (ILP) was arrived at.

He further informed that the movement started by the organization has been handed over to the people and henceforth further course of actions over the demand for re-implementation of ILP in the state would be carried out by the Joint Committee.

Sapamcha Jadumani and others at the press conference

Co-conveners of the Joint Committee include Sunil Kumar of NIPCO, Joy Chingakham of FREINDS, Mutum Churamani of HERICOUN and Thongsi Haokip of Kuki Inpi and ex-General Secretary of Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong Rocky Zimik while Somorendro Thokchom of LIPUL and Nongthongbam Rajendro of ICHAM are its executive members.

Other members of the committee include Khomdram Rani of AMSU, M Angamba of DESAM, Th Premananda of KSA, L Jayenta of SUK, S Punsiba of SWAK, Dipanjit Ningthoujam of AMSU, Zeme Stephen of Zeliangrong Union (AMN) and M Haopu of KOMREM Union, Manipur.

Jadumani reiterated that although a Private Member Resolution was moved by the then MLA O Joy in connection with re-implementation of ILP during the last Assembly Session conducted on December 25, 2011 and the House pronounced it as sub-judicial on the ground that a PIL was pending in Gauhati High Court over the matter, the PIL in questioned filed by him and Joy Chingakham was not related to ILP but it was in connection with foreigners issue.

Nonetheless, the PIL was withdrawn yesterday so that no interference could be made in the discussion over ILP on the floor of the House.

He further informed that 79-year old Kakchingtabam Birahari, who is an Advisor of FRIENDS would be starting a fast unto death agitation if the issue is not taken up for discussion in the Assembly.

Mutum Churamani of HERICOUN, who was also present at the press conference, said that of late HREICOUN has felt the urgent need to re-implement ILP in the state.

So, it has extended support in the formation of the Joint Committee which would take recourse to various democratic agitations to achieve the goal.

However, undemocratic means may also be adopted if need be.

Meanwhile, protest demonstrations over the demand for introduction of ILP were witnessed at different places of the state.

The vendors of Ima Panthoiba Sana Keithel staged a sit-in-protest at Ima Keithel today.

Ningthemcha Karong Nupi Lup, Mongshangei School Leirak Nupi Lup and Southern Imphal Youth Welfare Organisation jointly organized similar protest demonstration at Ningthemcha Karong; Hiyangthang Meira Paibi Lup demonstrated at Hiyangthang Keithel and Sagolband Khamnam Leirak Nupi Lup at Sagolband Khamnam Leirak.

Sagolband Autorikshow Transport Co-operative Society, Siroy Transport, New Cachar Road Transport Society, Imphal Noney Road Motor Transport Association and Mangang Transport Society also stopped plying of vehicles along Imphal-Jiri road demanding re-implementation of ILP today.