UCM pitches for ILPS
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 08, 2012:
Joining a horde of civil society organisations and student bodies, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) has called for implementation of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur with immediate effect.
The UCM, through a press release, warned that the incessant influx of immigrants would threaten the very existence of all the indigenous communities like what the people of the region witnessed in Tripura.
It cannot be ruled out that the influx is a secret ploy of the Government of India, it alleged.
What is more bewildering is the silence or inaction of the State Government even though it is fully aware of the alarming implications of the continuous influx.
It is the duty of the Government not only to work in accordance to the aspirations of the people but also act in time with a long term vision, the UCM pointed out.
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If the influx is not checked in time, the Government would find itself totally helpless.
The demand for ILPS does not necessarily mean imposing complete ban on entry of non-local people in the State.
The demand is more about regulation of entry, stay and exit of nonlocal people from Manipur under some definite rules and regulations.
Contrary to the present condition of Manipur characterised by over-dependence on imported goods, Manipur was once a sovereign nation for more than 2000 years.
The indigenous communities of Manipur had their own distinct cultures, traditions, religions, languages and economic systems.
But things started taking drastic downturn after Manipur was forcibly merged into the Indian Union on October 15,1949. Not long after, on November 18,1950, the Inner Line Permit System which was in force was revoked by Himmat, the then Chief Commissioner of Manipur.
This opened a floodgate of influx and ultimately resulted in today's alarming situation.
It would be in the best interest of Manipur if the ILPS is enforced in Manipur under Article 19 (V) of the Indian Constitution, it asserted.