FREINDS celebrates foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 15 2011: Lack of initiative by the Government of Manipur to check illegal entry of foreigners as well as outsiders has been strongly criticised at the 6th foundation day anniversary of Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FREINDS) celebrated today at its Keishampat office.

Presenting the key-note address, FREINDS general secretary Joy Chingakham said the campaign for re-introduction of inner line permit system in the State was initially started by United Committee Manipur, before FREINDS stepped in to sustain the movement from 2005 onwards as the UCM was focused on issues related to the territorial integrity of Manipur.

Describing the recent report on the ongoing parleys between the Central Government and the NSCN (IM) heading towards formation of the Supra State Body as yet another attempt by the Centre to slice away Naga dominated areas of Manipur, Joy said FREINDS will oppose such a development.

Pointing out that till date the population of Manipur has reached the 27 lakhs mark with non-locals making up substantial portion of the total population figure, the secretary observed that alleged lack of initiative by the Government of Manipur to reintroduce the ILP system is due to the Centre's deliberate act to facilitate entry of non-locals.

Predicting more entry of non-locals into Manipur on completion of the railway project, Joy appealed to all the NGOs to extend support to the FREINDS' endeavour for restricting entry of non-locals through enforcement of the ILP system in Manipur.

Making a similar appeal, lecturer (retired) H Kula said prohibiting land ownership by non-locals would be an effective measure to prevent dilution of the State's indigenous population.

Suggesting restriction on the residential period of non-locals, H Kula also stressed on the need for concerted effort from all concerned to ensure implementation of the ILP system.

In his address, fREINDS president Sapamcha Jadumani said consultative meetings were held with representatives of various NGOs, including senior citizens of Manipur since 2006 on the issue of reintroducing ILP system and construed that ban on contesting elections by non-locals as a positive outcome of the Federation's effort.

He also cited cases of foreign nationals handed over to the police by activists of the Federation as grim reminder to the Government of Manipur's assertion that there are no foreigners in the State.

Conveying that a response from the Government with regard to the detailed report on the need for reintroducing ILP is awaited, the FRIENDS' president Jadumani hoped that the issue would be deliberated in the winter session of the State Assembly.

The Federation's vice president T Sarat also spoke at the occasion.

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