'State Cabinet's decision is to divert ILP issue'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 24 2013:
The State Cabinet's decision on taking over Sana Konung for development into a historical monument is just a tactic of the Government to divert the attention of the people from the movement for implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the State, Co-Convenor of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) and Vice-President of Sana Konung Semgat Sagat Lup Joy Chingakham told media persons on the 32nd day of protest meet held at Sana Konung today.
Members of Nongmeibung Women's Development Meira Paibee Association and Eastern Students' Club, Nongmeibung took part in the protest meet decrying the State Government's decision to acquire Sana Konung.
Joy further said that the State Government can develop the Sana Konung, but its decision to evict the King from the Palace is against the people.
The Government has deliberately taken the decision with the motive of diverting the ILP issue.
The people of Manipur would strongly oppose any move of the Government to deprive the customary rights of the King and his people, he enjoined.
He also demanded the State Government to implement the Inner Line Permit System in the State to check influx of non-locals and protect the rights of indigenous people.
Secretary of Sana Konung Semgat-Sagat Lup Araba said that Sana Konung is a private property of the Royal family for which no land tax is ever paid to the Government.
CM Ibobi has decided to take over the Palace out of jealousy at the instigation of his masters.
The acquisition of Sana Konung is akin to slaughtering own forefathers who had maintained such rich tradition for centuries, he averred.
Secretary of Nongmeibung Women's Development Meira Paibee Association Nongmaithem Sobita said that the King is still regarded as the customary head of the State and he performs important rituals from the Palace.
The State Government should withdraw its decision to acquire the Sana Konung for development into a historical monument in the interest of the people, she demanded.