JCILPS students wing protests challenge to ILPS in Manipur
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 07 2022: A scuffle broke out between the State police and the students wing of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) near the western gate of Kangla while the students were protesting against the move to challenge the imposition of ILPS in the State.

Amra Bangali, a political organisation based in Kolkata filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to the Supreme Court recently seeking removal of the permit system which is enforced to regulate the entry of non locals to the State.

At least 5 volunteers of JCILPS students wing have been arrested by the police.

Reportedly, the volunteers burnt an effigy of Amra Bangali general secretary Bakul Roy.

Shortly after torching the effigy, a team of Manipur police rushed to the site and managed to disperse the protesters toward BT Road after a brief confrontation.

The police apprehended five protesters namely Maibam Julesh, Leishanghong Fajal, Harley Laishram, Salam Farnandes and Mujahid Makakmayum.

Speaking to media persons at Sega Road Konjeng Hazari Leikai later in the evening, convenor of JCILPS students wing Chalamba Meitei condemned the alleged excesses of the State police.

Saying that the protest they staged was for the security of the indigenous people, he urged the State Government to release their volunteers unconditionally.

Chalamba further stated that indigenous people of Manipur are being exposed to serious threat due to rampant entry of non locals and the same is causing demographic imbalance here.

Saying that the Inner Line Permit System was implemented in Manipur as a result of the prolonged movement of JCILPS in 2019, he added that the committee has been urging the Government to incorporate additional provisions in the permit system to safeguard the people of Manipur more effectively.

The students wing of JCILPS will continue to stage more forms of democratic protest until the PIL is withdrawn.

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