CSOs press for ILP System in State
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 08, 2013:
Supporting the agitation being spearheaded by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), Manipur for re-Implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the State, different NGOs, CSOs and various associations have come up with one voice to back the cause.
President of All Manipur Handicapped Persons Welfare Association, T Romio, while interacting with media persons at Yaiskul here today, said that if the ILP system is not re-implemented in the State, people of Manipur in general and the handicapped persons in particular would be affected to a great extent.
As such the issue needs to be brought up once again on the floor of the Assembly for taking a solid decision.
He noted that with the coming of railways in the State, a number of migrant workers from outside would start pouring in with greater force.
If ILP is not implemented in the State before the arrival of railways, then the future of the indigenous people would become even bleaker.
"Simply waiting for the decision of Union Government to pronounce their verdict will not help the people of Manipur" he maintained and demanded to know what the State Government would do if the Centre comes up with a decision against the wishes of the people.
Loken, General Secretary of the Association, who was also present on the occasion, stated that ILP does not prohibit entry of non-locals in any State, it only issues a 'pass' or 'permit' to the non-locals visiting the State.
Introduction of ILP will help the people of the State to safeguard their identity, culture and tradition, he observed.
Loken also pointed out that the implementation of ILP is not for a specific community.
In fact, the implementation of ILP will certainly increase the bond of love and brotherhood among the different communities settling in the State.
Loken questioned when ILP is being enforced in some Northeastern States like Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, etc, why it can't be implemented in Manipur as well.
Meanwhile, a statement of Youth Rising Star Club, Kwakeithel has observed that when the indigenous population of Manipur has come to be under the threat of uncontrolled influx of non-Manipuris, any delay over the implementation of ILP in the State is very unfortunate.
While endorsing the demand of JCILPS, the Club has made it clear that it would support the ongoing agitations until the demand for the re-implementation of ILP in Manipur is met.
Young Friends Union, Kha Imphal Keisam Leikai has also endorsed the agitation being launched by JCILPS and said that the steps being taken up JCILPS are right as far as the interest of indigenous people of Manipur is concerned.