Meitei Pangals resolve to fight for ILP system
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 09, 2014: In yet another major boost to the ongoing public movement for re-introduction of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, Muslim community (Meetei Pangals) in Manipur have resolved to fight for ensuring the implementation of the restrictive regime to protect the indigenous people from the onslaught of unchecked and unregulated influx of outsiders.

A decision to this effect was adopted among others during a one-day discussion on ILP system in Manipur jointly organised by All Manipur Muslim Organisations' Coordinating Committee (AMMOCC), United Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation (UMMWDO), All Manipur Muslim Students' Organisation (AMMSO), Muslim Students' Union Manipur (MSUM), Muslim Advocates' Legal Services Organisation (MALSO) and other Muslim bodies at Manipur Press Club here today.

Participating in the discussion as the main resource person on the issue, Advocate Khaidem Mani, who is also the president of All Manipur Bar Association (AMBA), categorically pointed out that according to Article 19 (5) of Indian Constitution, people residing in scheduled tribe areas have the right to protect their lands in spite of the provision for free movement of citizens of the country.

So, we need to explore legal views on the issue of implementation of Inner Line Permit system in Manipur, as the state government is unable to take actions despite its resolutions taken twice on the floor of the State Assembly.

Khaidem Mani contended that as Manipur is a tribal state, the state government has every right to frame laws to protect its indigenous population.

He pointed out that India government has opposed the ILP system in Manipur, as we are not scheduled tribes.

There were instances where even prominent persons visiting Manipur were not allowed to enter the state, he cited while recalling that the ILP system was prevalent in Manipur for around 10 months after the merger of Manipur into India on 15 October, 1949. The system was removed by the then Chief Commissioner Himmat Singh on 18 November 1950, while Manipur Durbar was still in existent in Manipur, he added.

While mentioning the difficulties of identifying Bangladeshi immigrants by the Meities, Khaidem Mani said the Manipuri Muslims (Meitei-Pangals) have a big role to play in saving the indigenous population.

He appealed to the Meitei Pangal community to collectively work for protecting the indigenous population of Manipur.

While assuring that gathering that his organization would start monitoring the areas where Meitei Pangals are settling, president of AMMASO Md.Farid, who attended the discussion session as one the presidium members on the dais, said that Meitei Pangals are ready to take part in all agitations pertaining to the demand for ILP system in Manipur.

He called upon the Meitei Pangals to remain alert to any call for the movement.

Md.Quayam, secretary of AMMOCOC, while maintaining that Meitei Pangals have a big responsibility in demanding ILP in Manipur, announced that organizations including AMMSO, AMMCOC, UMMWDO, MSUM and MSMYDO would organise a sit-in demonstration at Lilong market on Sunday.

After a serious deliberation on the issue, the Meitei Pangal organizations resolved to take active part in the movement for ILP system in Manipur, which they could not participate earlier due to the Ramjan Month.

They also pledged to continue the democratic protests in Meitei Pangal settled areas.

The meeting also decided to urge the state government to notify the indigenous groups of Manipur in its official Gazette.

Furthermore, the meeting decided to propose the state government to seal the border areas with proper care and protection.

Advocate Zakir, Advisor of AMMOCOC and M.V Muhei, ANJUMAN were also among those who spoke during the discussion session attended by General Secretary of ICRA Md Momuddin Sheikh; General Secretary of MALSO Advocate Md Rabi Khan, President of United Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation (UMMWDO) Anwari Noorjahan, President of Manipur Muslim Online Forum Md Nasir Ahamed and Md Rashid Ali of Writers' Union Manipur (WUM).

Meanwhile, sit-in protest demonstrations to press the demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit system continued in different parts of the State today including Tera Loukrakpam Leikai, Sagolband Moirang Hanuba Leirak, Wangkhei Keithel, Yaiskul, Chanam Pukhri Mapal, Laiphrakpam Mayai Leikai, Athoukhong, Khumbong Keithel, Yurembam, Keithelmanbi, Sora, etc.

At Thoubal Leishangthem, a large of students studying in different schools took out a rally in support of the public demand for implementation of ILP system in the State today.

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