For protection of indigenous people Panel discussion cites Article 19(5)
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 10, 2014: Citing Article 19 (5) of the Indian Constitution which purportedly empowers States to enact legislation of their own for protection of indigenous people, speakers at a panel discussion programme today called upon the State Government to frame an appropriate Act.

A panel discussion programme on �Prospect of ILP System in Manipur' was held today in the auditorium of Babina Diagnostics, Soibam Leikai under the aegis of the Senior Citizens for Society (SCS) Manipur.

Participants of the panel discussion programme maintained that the best measure for protection of indigenous people would be enactment of a legislation by the State on its own.

Gauhati High Court retired Chief Justice Rajkumar Manisana and SCS president Laisom Lalit attended the inaugural session as chief guest and president respectively.

Citing Article 19 (5) of the Indian Constitution, RK Manisana asserted that the State Government has the authority to enact law of its own for protection of indigenous people.

Later the panel discussion programme was chaired by Prof (retd) N Mohendro.

For protection of indigenous people Panel discussion cites Article 19(5)

All Manipur Bar Association president Khaidem Mani, retired District and Session Judge Manipur C Upendra, Advocate Thokchom Manihar and Manipur University Professor MC Arun participated in the discussion programme as panellists.

Khaidem Mani said that incessant influx of migrants has produced serious impacts on politics, art and culture, identity and language of the indigenous people apart from crimes committed by immigrants.

In order to save the indigenous people from the relentless onslaught of influx, entry of immigrants should be regulated and they should not be allowed to purchase land in the State, Mani asserted.

He also mentioned about the two Manipur Legislative Assembly resolutions and the Cabinet decision adopted in favour of implementing Inner Line Permit System in Manipur.

Reasonable restrictions can be imposed in general public interest under Article 19(5) of the Indian Constitution.

Going by the same logic, the State Government can enact an appropriate law for protection of indigenous people.

MC Arun said that the present generation should not forget the history of Manipur being a sovereign kingdom in South East Asia for centuries.

"We should not compromise out dignity under any circumstances and we should demand a special status for Manipur", Arun said.

In addition to enacting a law under Article 19(5) of the Indian Constitution, indigenous people need to cultivate a healthy work culture, Upendra said.