Theatre personalities join ILP stir
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 25 2014:
In solidarity to the ongoing public demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the State, a sit-in-protest was staged by Manipur State Shumang Leela Council at its premises located at Palace Compound here today.
Many theatre artistes, producers, directors and several members of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) which is spearheading the ongoing movement participated in the protest demonstration.
Speaking to media persons on sidelines of the protest demonstration, Somendro Thokchom, co-convener of JCILPS, stated that the indigenous people of the State which have their own unique cultural and traditional values are two reeling under the potential threat from unchecked influx of outsiders and maintained that enforcement of ILP system is the only possible means to safeguard the indigenous people from this increasing threat.
He lamented that the government has utterly failed to implement the system for the last many years despite knowing its urgent requirement.
He pointed out that the number of Tripuris in Tripura State has been already surpassed by outsiders coming from different parts of the country.
So, a time will come in Manipur too when fate of its indigenous people will be in the hands of non-locals.
As such, implementation of ILP system without any further delay is the only way to tackle the situation.
Saying that it is high time for theatre artistes to stage plays highlighting adverse impact on the indigenous people from the ever increasing influx of outsiders, he appealed to the Council to take a lead role in creating awareness on the ILP issue to the people.
Meanwhile, a public meeting on the role of people in implementation of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur was held at Thokchom Keithel in Thoubal district today.
Organised by Thokchom Meira Paibi, the meeting was participated by elders, students and women Meira Paibees of Thokchom village.
MAPI Council Advisor Th.Manihar and Member of Joint Committee on ILPS Manipur Toijam Brajamani Singh delivered lectures as resource persons during the meeting, which resolved to ban entry and settlement of non-locals until the ILP system is enforced in the state.