Bodies of indigenes petition PM, seek effective ILPS
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 13 2022: Organisations of 19 different indigenous communities of the state submitted a joint memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking effective implementation of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) by restoring the original system, which was implemented in Manipur under Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873.Presidents of Tangkhul Naga Headmen's Association, Mao Council, Tarao Tribe Union, Chiru Union NEI Manipur, Zeme Naga Council, Lamkang Tribe Union, Kom Union, Chothe Tribe Union, Maring Tribe Union, Maram Union, Liang-mai Naga Council, Khoibu Tribe Union, Mayon Naga Council, Thangal Union, Aimol Tribe Union, Anal Chiefs' Association, Kabui Union, Federation of Haomee and Inpui Naga Union jointly signed the memorandum, which was submitted to the PMO on July 12.The memorandum high lighted how illegal immigrants from countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal have entered and settled in the state after the BEFR was lifted in 1950.Besides, no initiatives have been taken up by the government to repatriate these illegal immigrants to their respective countries under Foreigners Act 1946 in the last 75 years.

In the absence of such mechanism, the un controlled influx of outsiders has changed the demography of Manipur to a significant level.

Muslim population from Myanmar and Bangladesh have settled in large number in Jiribam assembly constituency as well as in different parts of the valley area of the state.

Moreover, several lakhs of Myanmarese Kukis and Lushai Kukis have entered and settled, and started claiming ownership of the hill areas of the indigenous people.

Likewise, Nepali population is on the rise.

Even though the government had extended Inner Line Permit System in the state, the system has remained ineffective in controlling the influx of outsiders since there is no clear definition of indigenous people in the rules and regulations of the system.

In the context of Manipur, seven clans (Yek-Salai) have been a unique and distinctive feature for all the indigenous communities settled in both hills and valley, the joint memorandum pointed out, while urging the Centre to take up necessary measures for identifying the indigenous people of the state with proper understanding of this feature.

India is a country, which provides constitutional protection to its citizens and people of the state have high belief that the Centre will do the needful for protecting the indigenous people of the state, the joint memorandum said.

It also urged the Centre to implement NRC in the state at the earliest so as to identify the outsiders.

The state government had signed agreements with All Manipur Students' Union (AMSU) and All Manipur Coordinating Committee (AMCOC) twice in 1980 and 1994 to identify foreign nationals with 1951 as the base year.

However, the government has not taken up any follow up steps in this regard resulting in a big threat to the survival of the indigenous people, the joint memorandum said.

It then urged the Centre to set up a Centre of Operation and Detection and Deportation of Foreigners in the state at the earliest.

Copies of the joint memorandum were also submitted to union home minister Amit Shah, Governor La Ganeshan and chief minister N Biren.

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