JCILPS carries on with leaders' meet
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 18 2016: In pursuit of its long standing demand for the implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the State, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) today organised a district level leaders meet at Langjing Achouba Community hall, Imphal West.

Attended by meira paibis and club leaders from Imphal West district, today's meeting adopted seven resolutions.

The seven resolutions included demand to enact the three Bills passed by the State Assembly last year, constitution of Manipur Population Commission, verification of outsiders in the State, constitution of Manipur Land Reforms Commission etc.

The leaders' meet underway

The meeting also urged local clubs and meira paibis to opt for non-co-operation movement and support JCILPS' movement.

Speaking at the occasion, JCILPS convenor Khomdram Ratan said JCILPS since 2012 has led the people's movement demanding implementation of ILPS in Manipur.

On August 31 last year, following a huge upheaval, the State Assembly passed three Bills to protect the indigenous people.

The Bills, however, have not been approved by the President till date.

Accusing the Government of India of threatening the existence of indigenous communities, Ratan said the people's demand for implementation of ILPS is to ensure the protection of the indigenous people.

Alleging that the indigenous communities at Tripura have been completely overpowered by outsiders, Ratan said the same fate awaits Manipur if the people do not act.

On the pending Bills and the debate on whether or not ILPS should be implemented in the State, the JCILPS convenor said the rules written down in the Indian Constitution can be altered to meet the demands of the people.

He has further questioned why the major political parties like BJP and Congress have not raised the ILPS issue at the Centre.

"Political parties, MLAs and Ministers needs to be taught a lesson", Ratan stated adding that the Bills and the seven points agreed on August 15 for the protection of indigenous people will never be implemented until strong protests and agitations are staged.

"Right now the top priority of the MLAs and Ministers is the forthcoming Assembly elections.

The issue of ILPS has been sidelined," he stated.

He further alleged that the border gates at Mao, Moreh and Jiribam have been left untended allowing free flow of outsiders into the State.

The number of immigrants will drastically increase once the Railways services become operational, he added.

The district level meet is organised mainly to understand the general sentiments of the people.

JCILPS will organise a public convention after the district level meets followed by public movements.

JCILPS co-convenor Ksh Somorendro urged all the district level meira paibis, clubs and other NGOs to express their views and ideas concerning the demand for ILPS.

JCILPS co-convenors Arjun Telheiba, BK Mangangcha, Keirauddin Shah, Phulendro Konsam, Western Star Club president N Achouba and JCILPS Supporter Committee, National Highway no 37 member L Achoubi also attended today's meet.