ILP issue to be taken to Delhi
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 26 2011:
The Manipur Legislative Assembly has assigned the State Government to lobby and urge the Centre to introduce the provisions of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur.
The House took a decision to this effect after discussing a private member resolution put up by MLA N Mangi.
Taking part in the discussion, Chief Minister O Ibobi maintained that there is no case of any alarming influx of foreigners or immigrants.
But the State cannot let off its guard, he stated.
Noting that the private member resolution is supported by each and every Member of the House, Ibobi stated that the Government would consult legal experts before taking the resolution as an agenda in Cabinet meeting.
If the situation demands, the State Government may refer the matter to the Government of India.
Though the Government of Manipur has no reservation against introduction of ILP System in the State, it is within the purview of the Union Government.
The State Government has no power to introduce ILP System on its own accord.
The Government of India lifted the Protected Area Permit tag from Manipur for one year at the insistence of the State Government.
However, the relaxation is not applicable to the citizens of China, Pakistan, Myanmar and Bangladesh, Ibobi informed the House.
According to the 2001 census, 30 per cent of the tribal populace speak Meiteilon.
By origin, they are Manipuris.
Counting Meitei Pangals and other communities, 95 per cent of the total population of Manipur speak Meiteilon while the remaining 4 to 5 per cent cannot speak Meiteilon.
Though influx of immigrants can be easily detected in the area, it is difficult in Tengnoupal, Serou, Motbung and Kangpokpi as the immigrants and the local people speak similar dialects.
As for the Bangladeshis living in Jiribam, they settled here since a century back.
There is no new influx of foreigners in Jiribam, Ibobi stated.
Earlier raising the private member resolution, MLA Mangi observed that huge influx of immigrants has been posing a serious threat to the indigenous people.
Moreover, these immigrants have been committing several criminal activities aggravating the already volatile law and order situation of the State.
In addition to checking crimes committed by immigrants whose origins are mostly unknown, introduction of LIP system can protect the indigenous people of both the hills and valley, Mangi asserted.
Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam stated that the sudden spurt in the total population of Manipur as recorded in 2001 census was a result of huge influx of immigrants.
A large number of Bangladeshis have now settled at Jiribam and they are even marrying local girls.
Likewise, Myanmarese have been pouring in from across the international border to settle at Moreh area.
Reminding about the fate of indigenous Tripuris who have now been rendered minority in their homeland due to unrestricted influx of immigrants, Radhabinod cautioned that no one can guarantee such a fate would not befall upon the indigenous Manipuris.
As enforced in other North Eastern States, it is imperative to introduce ILP System in Manipur too in order to save the indigenous communities from unrestricted influx, Radhabinod asserted.
He also called upon the House to study the possible effects introduction of ILP system would have on tourism industry of the State.
MLA RK Anand and MLA Morung Makunga also participated in the discussion.
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