Experts share views on ILPS
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 16 2015 : Noted educationists, academicians and legal luminaries of the State have shared their views regarding the ongoing pro-ILPS movement and drafting of a new ILPS Bill.

Advocate Khaidem Mani observed that the present stir is the fallout of passing of Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill which have omitted 90 percent of the points recommended by the All Political Parties Committee on ILPS, intellectuals, academicians and legal experts.

He opined that at this point of time, drafting of a new ILP Bill can be completed within 15 days if the Bill is based on these recommendations.

The senior advocate further observed that Constitutional provisions can always be discussed with legal experts and JCILPS executives.

Prof Chinglen Maisnam said that passing of a Bill does not necessarily lead to its enforcement as an Act.

In Maharashtra, there is a Bill which is pending for the past 19 years, he said.

Mere passing of a Bill would not serve any purpose if it is not changed into an Act and subsequently enforce it, Chinglen said and added that as such a Bill must be introduced only when the Government has a strong political will to implement it as an Act.

If the present Government has the political will to enforce ILPS in the State, everything can be completed within 15 days, he observed.

People would not raise any complaint when the Government extend for some more days if they actually have this political will, he said.

However, the worst part of this issue is that people do not have faith in the present Government as they usually put in effort only when people pressurise them, the Professor said.

Expressing similar view, Prof Amar Yumnam said that Assam Rifles was removed from Kangla only when people erupted in mass protest after Thangjam Manorama was allegedly raped and killed by the troops of the paramilitary force.

Now, the Government is compelled to withdraw the controversial MRVTMW Bill only after the death of Sapam Robinhood in police action, he pointed out.

Prof Amar Yumnam further opined that there is no need to seek three months time to draft a new ILP Bill.

Every endeavour needs a clear objective, he said.

Manipur University Vice-Chancellor Prof HNK Sharma said that the Government must hold talks with JCILPS members on the issue.

He opined that nothing must be done in a haste.

Prof Chongtham Priyoranjan said that consultation of experts and drafting of the new Bill can be completed within a month.

Delaying the issue would only aggravate people"s ire, he observed.

Social activist Dhanabir Laishram said that the new Bill can be drafted in 15 days if it is based on the Bill recommended earlier by experts.

Saying that the interpretation of indigenous people in India is different from the rest of the world, Dhanabir said that people"s demand for the protection of indigenous people would not be an easy task.

Prof Kshetri Bimola opined that although completion of a new Bill within 15 days would be quite hasty, it can be possible if the Bill recommended earlier by the experts is to be passed after making some amendments, she said.

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