EECHAL's 10th foundation day Protection of indigenous people stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 01 2015 : Drawing attention to the current move-ment of ILP system in the State, a penal discussion centred on the theme 'Protection of Indi-genous People and Mass Movement in Manipur' mark-ed the 10th Foundation day ceremony of Ereipak Enaat Chanura Loinsinlon (EECHAL) held at Lamyanba Sanglen of Konung Lampak, Imphal today.

The discussion was moderated by editor-in-chief of Impact TV Rupachandra Yumnam with social activist Ningthouja Lancha, former AMWJU president Bijoy Kachingtabam, Professor Ksh Bimola, Department of Political Science, Manipur Univer- sity, former president of the All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) Professor Mohilan, special correspondent of the Telegraph Khellen Thokchom and experts in the field participating as panel members.

Social activist Ningthouja Lancha, during his speech, said demanding a special law to save the indigenous settlers of the State is a right provided by the Constitution to its people and nothing should deny the people from demanding its rights.

A speaker sharing his thoughts at the panel discussion programmeA speaker sharing his thoughts at the panel discussion programme

As a minority community compared to the mainland India, the State must work to frame its own act and law even if the Indian Constitution needs to be amended.

Bijoy Kakchingtabam expressed that the JCILPS and State Government must work together to sort out the ILP issue.

He said the political parties should stop politicizing the issue and start lending a helping hand in implementing an act similar to that of Inner Line Permit system.

'Population imbalance' in the valley areas of the State has elevated the need for implementing ILP or a similar system in the State, Mohilal observed.

Considering the growing agitation of the people in the past few days, it has become crucial to consider whether the State should apply the three-tier system implemented in Meghalaya or a similar ILP system that is seen in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

Prof Ksh Bimola viewed the possibilities of implementing ILP or a similar system to regulate the uncheck influx of non-locals in the State.

She said, "Although it is a hard task, the Bill can be passed and a law be enacted by the State Legislative Assembly under the constitutional provision provided under the State list".

The Professor also stressed on the gap between the Joint Committee of Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) and the new drafting committee after the previous bill was withdrawn in the state which fails to meet expectation of JCILP.

However, she felt the needs of working concertedly as the state government is for the people and JCILPs movement is also only for the people.

AMKIL president Ph Sakhi and All Manipur Tammi Chingmi Apunba Lup president S Momon Leima also attended the event.