Manipur had foreigners regulation law before merger: Leishemba
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 16 2015 :
In 1901, the Manipur Durbar implemented a very effective mechanism of controlling the entry of foreigners called the Permit or Passport system.
This Permit system was brought under the Foreigners" Department on 1 November, 1931.This Permit or Passport System served two important purposes of controlling and regulating influx of Non-Manipuris and it was an important source of revenue for the kingdom.
The said permit system did not allow any foreigner to possess immovable properties, the titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba said in an exclusive interview with Hueiyen Lanpao.
He further said that since the merger with India there has been a great demographic change in the State and in order to safeguard the indigenous population of the State, implementation of inner line permit system is a must.
He opined that ILPS will be the only way to safeguard the indigenous population.
He feared that the tragic history of Tripura where outsiders dominate and rule the roost will be repeated in Manipur.
He also said that there should not be misconception or misinterpretation on ILPS which does not restrict but merely regulate the entry of outsiders.
Sanajaoba also said that the police action in tackling the mass agitation is unsatisfactory and the police need to be well trained to avoid any further misconduct.
He also put up a strong message saying that the State government should keep in mind that Manipur has a titular king and customary laws.
There is a trend of checking influx of outsiders in Manipur since long time back.
However, it was done away with after Manipur"s merger with India.
The titular king also appealed to the government and different sections of society to coordinate and come up with a law to safeguard the indigenous population.