UCM's 13th B'day : State can legislate for enforcement of EPS : C Upendra
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 03 2013: The State can have its own legislation for the enforcement of Inner Line Permit System, reckoned Retired Judge C Upendra.

Retired Judge C Upendra was speaking as the chief guest of the 13th Foundation Anniversary celebration programme of United Committee Manipur today at UCM head office located at Lamphelpat.

Article 19 (5) of Indian Constitution empowers the State to have its own legislation for protection of indigenous people, C Upendra said.

As such, the State has the power to legislate laws for the enforcement of ILPS.

He said it was very unfortunate that the State Government has been waiting approval from the Centre regarding implementation of ILPS.

He further stressed on the need to have strong and alert civil society organisations in the face of seeming absence of an Opposition and political parties.

The programme was also attended by President of UCM, Yumnam Nabachandra as the president of the function.

President of AMUCO, KT Rehman: President of IPSA.

Elangbam Johnson; President of UPF.

BM Yaima Shah: President of NIPCO, Sunil Karam: President of AMKIL.

Ph Sakhi Leima; President of PANDAM, Yumnamcha Dilipkumar; President of ACOAM-Lup, Ksh Somorendra and President of Kanglamei.

Y Leirik Leima attended the programme as the guests of honour.

In the face of the reported insistence of the State Government to the Centre for providing Highway Protection force, UCM President Y Nabachandra said it is very unfortunate that the large number of State force could not give protection to the highways.

He added that security personnel of the State are needlessly deployed in large number at some locations.

He also urged all concerned to identify the ones responsible for creating enmity among the different communities of the State.

Advisor of IPSA, Ibotombi Khuman pointed out that no MP from the State has been inducted as Cabinet Minister in the Centre even as the merger of the State to the Indian Union is 64 years old.

This shows the low attitude of the Centre towards the State.

He also strongly decried the recent State Cabinet decision to take over the Royal Palace under Historical Monument Act.

BM Yaima Shah stressed on the need to solve inter-village disputes while also striving to protect and preserve the territorial integrity of the State.

AMUCO president KT Rehman conveyed readiness of AMUCO to work for the welfare of the State along with UCM.

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