Govt invites JCILPS
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 09 2015 :
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam on Sunday informed that the Government has invited the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) for talks and expressed the hope that the latter will accept the invitation.
Talking to media persons at the Congress Bhavan, the Deputy Chief Minister also said that the Drafting Committee had already submitted its report to the Manipur Government.
He was confident that talks between the Government and JCILPS can ensure speedy presentation of the ILPS Bill.
Gaikhangam stated that the Government needs detailed discussion with the Joint Committee on the points to be incorporated in the proposed ILPS Bill.
The Deputy Chief Minister said this was the third time that the State Government has invited the Joint Committee for holding talks over the issue and hoped that it would come to the negotiating table for a settlement.
He added that a date will be fixed for the talks after the Chief Minister returns from New Delhi.
Gaikhangam asserted that the State Government was keen to introduce an Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) Bill to protect the interests of the indigenous people against the unchecked influx of non-locals.
"We're putting maximum efforts to present the bill at the earliest possible time.
Hence, we need a threadbare discussion on the contents to be included in the bill," he urged.
Gaikhangam referred to the recent Naga Peace Accord and exuded confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would stand by his assurance that the interests of the neighbouring States of Nagaland would not be affected by it.
However, he stressed on the need for remaining vigilant until the Centre provides a clear picture on the details of the content in the agreement which was signed between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) on August 3 .
The Deputy Chief Minister, who is also the Home Minister, said the State Government will oppose tooth and nail any move by the Centre to harm the interests of Manipur.
"The State Government is still firm on its stand to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur" .