State celebrates 5 years of ILP
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, December 09 2024:
The recent violence in Jiribam was aimed at disturbing the peace process that had made progress involving the Hmar and Thadou communities, said Chief Minister N Biren Singh today.
He made this statement at a programme organised to celebrate the completion of 5 years of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur at City Convention Centre, Imphal.
Speaking as chief guest of the event, N Biren Singh said his Government has been making continuous efforts towards restoration of peace and normalcy in the State.
Several efforts towards peace, including meeting of various leaders or representatives of different communities including Thadou and Hmar were started when some parties with vested interest to break Manipur instigated violence in Jiribam.
This was very unfortunate, he said.
Nobody wants war.
There must be unity in effort to resolve the crisis and bring peace in Manipur, he said.
"Considering the prevailing situation in Manipur, the Central Government can't hastily take decisions and resolve the issues.
Resolving the crisis will take sometime.
Fencing the border will take time.
Implementing NRC will take time," N Biren said.
Emphasising that the Centre and his Government in the State are keen on resolving the issue and had taken up serious steps to save "future generations", N Biren said, one day people will acknowledge the efforts and commemorate the Government for its deeds.
He informed that Manipur is the first State in the country to implement Inner Line Permit System post-independence.
The ILP system was extended by the ND A Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after "critically assessing the uniqueness and peculiarity of our civilisation, culture, tradition" on December 9, 2019, he said, adding it was the biggest gift given by the Centre to the State.
Speaking about the reports alleging abuse and discrimination against Myanmar refugees in the State, N Biren Singh clarified that there are no reports or records on hostility and discrimination against the illegal immigrants in the detention centres or temporary shelters.
He further stated that the State Government has been providing temporary shelter, food, medicines etc to the refugees/illegal immigrants.
Further, biometrics of all illegal immigrants have also been captured, he added.
The ILP is applicable only to Indian citizens, and not to foreigners.
Under The Foreigners Act, the Superintendents of Police are designated as FROs and have the powers to detect and deport suspected foreigners, he said.
During the programme, Chief Minister N Biren Singh led others in paying floral tribute to Lamjing Meira Sapam Robinhood.
The CM felicitated representatives of CSOs, student organisations and others who took proactive roles in demanding implementation of ILP in the State.
The event also included an interaction programme with beneficiaries of the scheme - "CMESS-Special Package to Startups/Entrepreneurs for Employment of IDPs - under Manipur Startup Scheme 2.0 .
The beneficiaries included 300 internally displaced persons from various relief camps.
The programme was attended by the Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Administrative Officers, and staff of Home & Planning Department.