Joy dismisses Shinde's stand on Inner Line
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 26 2012: Manipur People's Party (MPP) advisor Okram joy has expressed strong opposition against the contention of Union home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde that the private member resolution on Inner Line Permit passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly contradicts Indian Constitution.

Interacting with newspersons at the MPP office today, O Joy a former legislator, opined that if the need arises Constitution of India should be amended to incorporate laws for protecting the indigenous people of the country.

Recounting that the State assembly in its July 13, 2012 sitting passed the private member motion for re-introduction of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur, O Joy expressed vehement opposition against the Union Home Minister's comment that no individual who believes Indian Constitution would have supported the move.

Condemning the September 12 assertion of the Union Minister's which was reported in the media, the veteran politician construed that Shinde's comment amount to describing members of the Manipur assembly as a bunch of novices.

Pointing out that unanimous decision adopted by the assembly reflects voice of the people, he maintained that the Union Minister demeaning the State Assembly not only tantamount to mocking the people of Manipur but also amounts to condemning the house (assembly) .

While suggesting that MPs of Manipur highlighting the derogative comment of the Union Minister in the Parliament would be welcomed by the people, Joy nevertheless expressed that such a move is most unlikely from the State's representatives in the Parliament.

Demanding that the Home Minister withdraw the controversial remarks, Joy also grimly noted that in case the present trend of unceasing influx of migrant workers in the four valley pockets continues the indigenous people running out of space in the near future cannot be ruled out.

With the valley people prohibited from settling in the hill areas implementing ILP system remains the only option to ensure protection of the indigenous people from the ever growing population of non-locals, expressed the former MLA.

Further pointing out that Indian Constitution has provision to protect even endangered species, Joy questioned as to why the Constitution should not be amended to proclaim protection of the indigenous people.

MPP president S Umananda, who was also present at the occasion, opined that even though the Indian Constitution stands in the way of implementing ILP system in Manipur a modified legislation need to be placed and vigorously pursued with the Government of India for restricting entry of non-locals to Manipur.

Stating that larger States undermining interest of people from smaller States is equally repugnant before the Indian Constitution, Umananda asserted that there should be no constitutional patronage upon discrimination of the people based on geo-political consideration.

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