Pseudo-indigenes permanent threat to natives
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: September 03, 2021 -

Notification issued by the Home Department on Wednesday to establish an inner line permit (ILP) counter/facilitation centre at Jiribam railway station underscores acknowledgement by the government of Manipur to the threat posed to the indigenes as and when the passenger rail service operates in full steam.

Notwithstanding the lack of consensus between the civil societies and the government over the cut-off or base year to identify the non-indigenes for prohibiting sale of land in the state to outsiders, implementation of the ILP system through the presidential proclamation back in December 2019 was also seen as acceptance of the Union government that concerns of the natives need to be addressed compassionately, constitutionally.

Even if arrival of train service to the landlocked state is being anticipated to bring down the cost of living and make available essential as well as commercial commodities at relatively cheaper rates, it is the fear of huge influx of migrant workers which has been making large section of indigenous population to weigh the pros and cons of Manipur figuring in the railway map of India.

Thus, it is obvious that the government's decision to open the ILP counter at Jiribam Railway Station would trigger both scepticism and optimism among the civil societies which have been at the forefront of demanding effective implementation of the ILP system.

Nevertheless, by setting up the counter to regulate entry and exit of ILP holders the government has rung out the message that it is determined to provide connectivity and proof to the detractors that without addressing logistics problems the state cannot join the race for economic prosperity.

As per the order issued by deputy secretary (home) Roji Rajkumari, the government has already set up Exit Counters at Imphal airport, Mao gate and Jiribam gate for recording entry and exit of ILP holders into/from the state but activation of such regulative facilities would serve the purpose only when those manning them are sincere enough in discharging their duties.

Effectiveness of implementing the regulatory mechanism will depend entirely on the commitment and diligence of officers and personnel assigned to transparently maintain records of people entering and exiting the state with ILPs for it is obvious that tracking those who have overstayed or violated the ILP norms would be an uphill task for the simple reason that Manipur has more than enough individuals and communities who are not interested in safeguarding the indigenes.

Presence of such unscrupulous elements had been the root cause for the demand of ILP marked by violent protests for and against the system, unmindful of the fact that the movement for constitutional safeguard of the indigenes was not meant for the valley population alone.

Tepidness of non-Meetei communities during movements launched in pursuance of the demand for implementing ILP showcased certain section of the population is not worried over possibility of outsiders not only buying up land and owning natural resources but also imminent outnumbering of the indigenes in case of unregulated entry.

Thus, it is important that the valley-based organisations continue to maintain top vigil and enforce effective implementation of the ILP system in order to foil the diabolic agenda of elements inimical to progression of the indigenes.