No let up in demand to enforce ILPS
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 10 2012: Inspite of the Central Government reportedly reluctant to re-introduce inner line permit system in Manipur, public demonstration on the same demand continues unabated.

On the other hand, the police foiled an attempt to storm the ongoing Assembly session by students who were demanding the passing of a resolution for the enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in the State.

Under the aegis of Joint Committee on ILP System, sit-in-protests were organised by local organisations at different places of the State today in pursuit of the demand for an effective mechanism to check unrestrained influx of outsiders.

Apart from putting up banners and placards demanding immediate action of the Government for implementing ILP system, rallies were also taken out and memorandum handed over to district authorities for forwarding the people's demand to the Government.

People from all walks of life, including students and women vendors, joined sit-in demonstrations organised at Paona Keithel, Kakhulong Gate, Lamphelpat, Sanakeithel, Moirang Hanuba community hall, Tera Amudon community hall, Khurai Lamlong Keithel, Sawombung Gate, Lamlai Keithel, Seijang community hall, Yaingangpokpi Keithel, Haobam Marak Irom Leikai and Haobam Marak Keisham Leikai.

Cops stop students from proceeding to the Assembly

Interacting with media persons at the Kakhulong Gate protest site, Kabui Mothers' Association leader Kakomlunglu Kamei strongly condemned protest site, Kabui Mothers' Association Kakomlunglu Kamei strongly condemned objection by the Government of India on the issue and termed the Centre's stand as discriminatory and unjustifiable.

Noting that entry of non-locals in some other States of the North East region are being restricted under the ILP system, she expressed surprise at the Centre's alleged opposition to demand for re-introduction of ILP in Manipur.

Justifying the ongoing campaign for ILP by FREINDS and other organisations, Kakom-lunglu also pledged unstinted support to any movement launched on the issue.

Meanwhile, addressing protestors at Yaingangpokpi Keithel, Youth Progressive Front Yaingangpokpi secretary Keisham Joykumar Singh insisted that a legislation on ILP should be adopted by the State Government taking into account overwhelming desire on the people.

At Moirang Hanuba Leikai, FREINDS president Sapamcha Jadumani expressed that it is the responsibility of the State's 60 MLAs to ensure that ILP comes is implemented in Manipur to save the indigenous people.

Noting that rapid increase in the population of migrant workers and non-locals is a grave concern for possibility of the indigenous people ultimately wiped out from their own ancestral land cannot be ruled out, Jadumani also exhorted all sections of the society to relentlessly work for preventing further dilution of the indigenous people.

Pointing out that since lifting of ILP system from Manipur there has been continuous flow of migrant workers and non-locals there posing threat to even the custom and tradition of the indigenous people, he lamented that lack of initiative by successive Governments in Manipur has emboldened non-locals to control the market.

Imphal East district educational institutions whose students and teachers took part in the sit-in-demonstrations included RK Sanatombi Devi Vidyalaya (Pangei), Kanan Devi Memorial Senior Secondary School, Royal Academy of Manipur, Pari Imom Khwai Sindam Shang, Tampha Quality Academy, Khundrakpam Public School and Haraorou Cosmopolitan High School.

In Imphal West, students and teaching staff members of Mekola Gulap Higher Secondary School, Mekola Suranjoy English School, Azad English School (Meitram) and Ram Lal Paul Higher Secondary School.

Rallies followed by submission of memorandums were taken out at Thoubal district by students and teachers of Wabagai high School, Grace Reach Academy (Hiyanglam), Kakching Hr Sec School, Kakching Khunou College and Practising High School.

In Bishnupur district Oinam Government Girls' High School and Oinam High School joined the movement with Lamlong Higher Secondary School, Ibotonsana Girls Hr Sec School and Lilong Higher Secondary School of Imphal West and East districts also lending their voices to the ongoing campaign.

At Leonlee Community Hall, Thingel Maru Women's Development & Welfare Organisation and YUDO Club, Thingel Maru jointly organised sit-in-protest in support of the demand.

Meanwhile the police foiled an attempt to storm the ongoing Assembly session by students who were demanding the passing of a resolution for the enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in the State.

Raising slogans for the enforcement of ILPS in the State, students from various schools within Imphal area including Ibotonsana Higher Secondary School, Ram Lal Paul Hr Secondary School, Khurai Lamlong Hr Sec School, and St Patrick English School, attempted to storm the Assembly complex from various directions today.

However, the Manipur Police personnel who were on duty at various locations prevented the students from entering the Assembly complex.

Students of Ram Lal Paul and Modhu High School rallied through KeishampatWahengbam Leikai road toward the Assembly Complex though the police aborted their attempt by blocking them at Keishampat Thokchom Leikai.

Similarly, students coming through the Uripok-Nagamapal road were blockaded at Khwai Brahmapur and hordes of students who marched through Lamlong side were intercepted at Khuman Lampak Bus Terminus.