Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 19 2010:
A car rally carried out on Imphal streets today demanded removal of Protected Area Permit (PAP) from the state of Manipur.
The rally was flag-off by IFCD and YAS Minister N Biren from Khongnanganikarak.
Before flagging off the rally, Biren told reporters, the demand for removal of PAP from the state is a long pending demand of the people of the state.
Considering the demand of the people, government has pressed the Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram to lift it from the state during his recent two day visit in the state.
He (Chidambaram) also assured of re-looking into the lifting of the PAP.
It is hope that a positive response will be come up from the Central government as the Home Minister has given a positive signal of replacing the PAP system by other system like visa on arrival, Biren said asserting that state government was aware of the problems facing by the Manipuris residing in other country when they come to the state.
They have also put up the matter to the notice of the Central government, he said expressing hope that some positive steps will be taken up by the Centre.
Mention may be made that the Manipuri Association of Canada (MAC) initiated a signature campaign throughout the globe in association with Manipuris residing in other countries highlighting the grievances faced by them while visiting their home place, Manipur.
They are going to submit and is planning to submit an online petition to the Prime Minister tomorrow.
The campaign is targeting 50,000 signatures across the globe before December 20 (tomorrow) before a petition is submitted to the Prime Minister of India with copies to Home Minister, External Affairs Minister, Tourism Minister, Minister of Development of North East Region (DoNER), Manipur Chief Minister and other politicians.
The Support Group on Removal of PAP organised the car rally of today.
Convener of the group, RK Shivadutta reiterated the grievances facing by the foreigners while visiting Manipur due to the PAP system.
As a result of this, the state, its natural beauties and its rich culture and tradition could not be exposed.
Not only the foreigners but Manipuris who stayed outside the country for more than six months also need to obtain permission for entering the state.
As such many advantages of the state were lost by PAP system, he added.
The car rally flag-off from Khongnanganikarak took the route upto Lamlong Bazar, then proceeded Ayangpali, Kongba and after passing Singjamei Bazar concluded at Kwakeithel.
Pamphlets to aware the people on the PAP were distributed during the rally.