CM Ibobi suggests collective campaign
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 28 2014 : Clarifying that the Government is not indifferent to people's de-mand for enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in the State even though enforce-ment of ILPS is the prero- gative of the Government of India, Chief Minister O Ibobi today called upon all the people of Manipur including the legislators to lobby collec-tively with the Government of India in democratic manner until the demand for ILPS is fulfilled.

Taking a break from the normal house business on the last day of the ongoing Assembly session today, Ibobi noted that strong movements were launched by ILP demand committee, students, civil society organisations and women organisations since the past one week.

Expressing regret over the casualties suffered by students during tense stand-offs with security forces who were compelled to take counter measures against the students' agitation as it is their duty to maintain law and order, Ibobi appealed to all concerned not to rope in young students or vitiate academic atmosphere in press- ing for any demand.

Even at times of war, educational institutions and hospitals are left untouched.

It is not right for the NGOs to project the Government as opposed to implementation of ILPS in the State.

ILPS was enforced under Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation 1873 by the then Government of India in Naga Hills, NEFA and Khasi and Jaintia Hills which then constituted remote areas of Assam in order to protect identity and culture of people living there.

During the colonial period, Manipur and Tripura were not fully annexed into British India and they were not a part of India.

As such, Inner Line Permits were issued on entry of foreign nationals into Manipur.

But the Inner Line Permit System was withdrawn after Manipur was merged into the Indian Union, Ibobi stated.

Fully aware of the people's concern over immigration of foreign nationals into Manipur, the legislators of the State adopted resolutions in the State Assembly in 2011, 2012 and 2013 in favour of implementing ILPS in Manipur and the same resolutions were forwarded to the Government of India.

The allegation that the Government is not serious enough on the issue is simply baseless.

It would be farcical to adopt the same resolution every time there is Assembly session, Ibobi asserted.

There is no harm for an all party delegation to go to Delhi and lobby with the Government of India for implementation of ILPS in the State after the ongoing Parliament session is over.

There is a plan to hold an all party meeting and deliberate on the issue before leaving for Delhi.

ILP demand committee members may also be invited to the meeting as well as the Delhi trip, if necessary.

"Let us collectively demand for implementation of ILPS in the State until the same demand is fulfilled," Ibobi proposed.

Seeking suggestions from legal experts, Ibobi advised against roping in young students in the agitation for enforcement of ILPS.

Talking about Manipur Human Rights Commission, the Chief Minister stated that the MHRC Chairman WA Sishak retired from his at the end of his term in 2010.Since then the Government could not find any retired High Court Chief Justice.

As a result, the commission remains non-functional.

With the State Government unable to find any retired High Court Chief Justice, the Assam Human Rights Commission Chairman was approached to take additional charge of MHRC Chairman.

The Government of India has also been approached to provide a list of 4/5 Chief Justices who are retiring shortly.

As for the appointment of the two Members, due notification has been already issued, Ibobi informed the House.

Comment