Pro-ILP protests on
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 13 2013: Persisting with the demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) System in Manipur sit-in-demonstrations were staged today at Singjamei, Kongba, Palace Gate and Khurai Lamlong areas under the aegis of ILP Joint Committee, Students' Wing.

Participated by local women vendors some of the protestors speaking to newspersons at the protest sites insisted that in sync with the State assembly resolution on the ILP issue Government of Manipur should not relent till the people's aspiration to protect the indigenous communities materialise.

Cautioning that similar situation like the ethnic Tripuris reduced to a minority in their own homeland cannot be ruled in Manipur too if effective legislation to control entry of non-locals into the State is not adopted at the earliest possible, they alleged inaction by the State Government for the Centre ignoring plight of the indigenous people.

Pointing out that the movement for implementation of ILP in the state is not aimed at rusticating non-locals but intent on protecting identity and culture of the ethnic people, the protestors strongly denounced police crackdown against the ILP advocates.

Not ruling out possibility of tension and even conflicts between the locals and non-locals in case Government of Manipur do not act immediately, they opined checking influx of non-Manipuris will be one of the contributory factors in maintaining peace and development in the State.

While the sit-in-protests were on shop-keepers of Lamlong Keithel and Palace Gate downed the shutters for the day.

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