Thangso puts ILPS issue at Lok Sabha
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 12, 2014:
Thangso Baite, Member of Parliament representing Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency raised the burning issue of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur during the 'Zero Hour' of the Parliament session yesterday.
He said, "I represent Outer Manipur Parliamentary Constituency which covers 28 Assembly Constituencies in Manipur.
Every day in Manipur there are bandhs, blockades, dharnas and different types of agitation going on because the people are dissatisfied due to non-existence of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur, whereas in the neighbouring States this system still exists.
That dissatisfaction is expressed by people from time to time".
He further stated, "Ninety per cent of total geographical area of Manipur is hilly region and is predominantly inhabited by tribal people.
It is because of that, if Inner Line Permit System is extended to Manipur, then it will ensure protection of tribal people of Manipur again".
He asserted, "The demand is constitutionally valid; it is clearly indicated and inscribed in the Constitution of India under Article 19 (5), sub-clauses (d) and (e)".
Referring to the influx of immigrants from the neighbouring countries into the State; he underlined, "Once this Inner Line Permit is extended, both valley and tribal people will be happy." Interrupting his deliberations, Chairperson of the Lok Sabha Prahlad Joshi asked the Member of Parliament his demand.
Thangso Baite said.
" I would like to demand that Inner Line Permit System should be extended to Manipur.
I would like to specially draw the attention of the Home Ministry to this demand." Dr Thokchom Meinya, MP also joined the deliberation of Thangso Baite and demanded for extension of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur.