HM thumbs down ILP demand
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 09 2012: Notwithstanding the ongoing public agitation for re-introduction of Inner Liner Permit (ILP) system in Manipur to save the indigenous people from the onslaught of unregulated influx of outsiders, Union Ministry of Home Affairs has objected to reintroduction of Inner Line Permit system in Manipur.

In response to the opinion sought on re-introduction of Inner Line Permit system following a recommendation of the State Cabinet on July 7, the Ministry has sent a written missive maintaining that it is a Central Act and the state government is not the authority to decide on re-implementation of Inner Line Permit System.

Reminding that there is no law in India which restricts its citizens from moving around or settling in any parts of the country, the Ministry also pointed out that the justification over the issue of ILP is being looked into and a case is being fight against the Mizoram government.

Students of Kakching Higher Secondary School demonstrating in front of their school to demand re-introduction of Inner Line Permit system in the state

The response of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs was discussed during a meeting of the Congress Legislature party convened at the Chief Minister's Secretariat at around 5 pm today, a member who attended the meeting disclosed to Hueiyen Lanpao.

The meeting seriously discussed issues related to handling of the matter and the strategies to be adopted by the state government in the light of the Ministry's response.

However, a definite decision in this regard would be taken during the meeting of the State Cabinet scheduled on July 11, the member added.

As the state government has no power to announce granting of a demand which has been disapproved by the Central Government, and there is the possibility of even imposing President's Rule if the state government acted in defiance of the Constitution, one can safely assumed that the government of Manipur would be in no position to take a decision on re-implementation of Inner Line Permit System.

Opposition MLA Dr I Ibohalbi Singh of Trinamool Congress has already served a notice to the Manipur Legislative Assembly for raising a Private Member Resolution on the public demand for re-implementation of ILP during the Assembly session on July 13 and there is every likelihood of tabling the notice in the House by the Speaker.

In such a situation, the state government would not be able to entertain the idea of giving two different replies over the same issue with exception to trying to prevail upon the Opposition for co-operation in exerting pressure on the Central government.

Meanwhile, there has been no let up to the public demonstrations over the demand for re-introduction of Inner Line Permit system in the state.

Responding to the call of Joint Committee on ILP, members of All Manipur Handicapped Welfare Association staged a demonstration at Kwakeithel Akham Leikai today.

Similar protest demonstrations were staged by students and members of Kakching Higher Secondary School, Southern Imphal Cultural Organisation, Women Welfare Tamphaton Lairembi (Haobam Marak Lourembam Leikai), POrompat Junior High School, Nungthelchaibi Mahila Mandal (Thangbalkhong Sabal Leikai), Pureiromba Keithel Nupi Seva Committee (Palace Compound), Thounaojam Leikai Development Association (Kwakeithel Thounaojam Leikai) All Manipur Taxi Association and Imphal-Dimapur Winger Service Owners' Association (Thangmeiband Pukhri Mapal) .