SCSM voices concern
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 18 2015:
The Senior Citizens for Society Manipur (SCSM) while observing that the ongoing movement for enforcement of ILPS or similar mechanism in Manipur seemed to be going astray since the last couple of days, decried that youngsters who appeared to be using intoxicating substances have been leading the movement in wrong direction.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, SCSM secretary Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani observed that the mass movement intensified after Sapam Robindhood was killed and it was going on the right path until the last couple of days.
But of late, there have been instances of protesters targeting people associated with essential services, media persons and people who were going for religious functions.
There were also cases about the death of sick people on the way to hospitals.
Such harassments have led to internal conflicts.
Khaidem Mani then appealed to one and all to abstain from imposing localized, unannounced bandhs.
"Let us carry on the movement in democratic manner but let us refrain from any activity which may create confusion and anarchy in the society", Mani said.
Maintaining that the ongoing movement is on the threshold of victory, Mani appealed to the JCILPS to hold dialogue with the Government.
SCSM general secretary Prof L Sadananda said that they a team of SCSM called on the Chief Minister today and talked about the ILPS issue.
Further, the team is seeking an appointment with the Governor.
Prof Sadananda also called upon all to rectify and streamline the mass movement.
There is a regulation which prohibits non-local people from owning land in the hill areas of Manipur which constitute 90 per cent of the State's territory.
But there is no regulation in Manipur valley which is just around 2000 sq Kms in area.
If a regulatory mechanism is not enacted at the earliest, Manipur valley may fall in the hands of non-local people after some decades, Prof Sadananda said.