Sit-in protests for ILP implementation
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, August 20 2011:
Sit-in protest demonstrations were staged in different places of Imphal demanding the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Manipur.
While the main demonstration was organized by Federation of Indigenous Regional Societies (FREINDS) at Keishampat junction near here, several schools in Imphal also extended their support by sitting on protest demonstrations at their respective schools.
A public meeting was also convened at the main event which was attended by several social organizations such as United Committee Manipur (UCM), Kabui Mothers' Association (KAMA), Kuki Women's Union (KWU), Hericon etc.
besides intellectuals and social leaders who shared diverse opinion in a united voice against heavy influx of immigrants into the state.
The demonstration sought the implementation of ILP in Kangleipak (Manipur).
A statement circulated by the organizer noted that ILP was lifted from Manipur on Nov 18, 1950 under the signature of Manipur chief commissioner Himat Singh.
And ever since then, the state has been flooded with migrant workers from across the borders of Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar.
While the total population of Manipur is 23lac, the numbers of immigrants have grown to 7 lac — i.e.one third of the total population of the state — even surpassing the combined population of tribals, it said.
The statement further added that heavy influx of migrant workers, particularly in places like Jiribam, Ukhrul, Uripok, Sugnu, Khundrakpam, Wangkhei, Moreh, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Churachandpur, Bishnupur etc.
has changed the demography of the places and voting behaviors where a person can not get elected any more without patronizing the immigrants.
The demonstration today sought the implementation of ILP which continues to govern Northeast states like Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh because of which they could preserve their identity, the statement added.
President of FREINDS Sapamcha Jadumani said that the people should unite in pressurizing the political class to introduce and implement ILP during the forthcoming state assembly session slated for Aug 24-29 .
Political parties like Manipur People's Party (MPP), Rastriya Janata Dal (RJD), Communist Party of India (CPI), CPI Marxist etc also extended their support for the implementation of ILP by participating at the event.