CrPC 144 clamped in Imphal West district ; BJP too rejects MRVT and MW Bill
Source: The Sangai Express / NNN

Imphal, March 19 2015: Prohibitory order has been clamped in the entire Imphal West district in the backdrop of non-cooperation movement being launched by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) against the non-locals.

The prohibitory order under Section 144 CrPC was promulgated in the district as there is likelihood of causing serious breach of peace, disturbances to public tranquility and grave danger to human lives and properties in the area.

The order which would be effective from 6 pm of March 17 will continue until further order.

Assembly of five or more persons which is likely to turn unlawful, carrying of sticks, stones, firearms and weapons of any other description or objects which can be used as offensive weapons within the area have been prohibited with effect from 6 pm of March 17, the order stated.

Womenfolk protesting the MRVT and MW Bill on March 16

The order will not apply to agencies of the Government involved in the enforcement of law and order and the maintenance of essential services and prior permission should be obtained from the competent authorities for taking out rallies or processions for customary, traditional, religious, cultural or entertainment purposes involving the assembly of five or more persons.

The prohibitory order has been clamped based on police report that there is likelihood of causing serious breach of peace and public tranquility in the district on account of the unlawful activities of some anti-social elements for furtherance of their evil designs.

There is also information with the police regarding threats to the business community in Imphal area by the underground elements for payment of extortion demand.

With the MPP, JD(U) and CPI(ML) registering protest against the Bill while demanding resignation of Chief Minister O Ibobi and his council of Ministers, the State unit BJP has also started lobbying different political parties to collectively raise their voice against the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015, passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly recently.

This was stated by BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesperson RK Shivachandra at a press conference held today.

He said that it was unfortunate that a Bill which did not include the points, suggested by legal experts, academicians and civil society organisations was introduced on the floor of the Assembly and subsequently passed.

RK Shivachandra questioned the State Government why an all political parties' committee was formed and its report sought if the Government had to overlook the points recommended by the committee.

BJP Manipur Pradesh stayed away from the all political parties' committee as the party knew that the State Government would not act according to the wish of the political parties and the common people.

Now it has turned out that the BJP was right, RK Shivachandra said adding that the party has started lobbying different political parties to collectively oppose the Bill.

The spokesperson further alleged that the State Government forms all political parties committee every time they are in trouble.

However, the Government ignore these political parties when the people's uproar subsides, he added.

Maintaining that BJP Manipur Pradesh would oppose the Bill, RK Shivachandra said that the party would apprise the Central leaders about the issue.

Saying that MRVT & MW Bill does not have any point which may protect the indigenous people of the State, the spokesperson said that it is unfortunate that the State Government has undermined people's aspirations.

Stating that BJP Manipur Pradesh is in favour of implementation of ILPS or a similar Act in the State, RK Shivachandra said that all the political parties of the State must put in collective efforts regarding the issue.