MLAs urged to back ILP demand
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 25 2011: Expecting a private member resolution in tomorrow's session of the ongoing Manipur Legislative Assembly, FREINDS president Sapamcha Jadumani has urged all the legislators irrespective of political affiliation, particularly the MLAs of the ruling Congress party to adopt a legislation on effective implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the State.

Speaking to newspersons at MDU Hall today, Jadumani said till 1951 when the ILP was in force, the population growth rate was 12 percent which increased to 35 percent in the next decade during which no restriction was imposed on entry of migrant workers to Manipur from other parts of India or from neighbouring countries.

With the non-local population making up one third of the state's total population its impact can be felt in the socio-economic environment of Manipur, he said while noting that with majority of the business community being outsiders, fixing prices of essential commodities have become their domain.

Highlighting that inspite of the Manipur Legislative Assembly constituting the Price Fixation Committee, he said the panel, for all practical purposes, is now defunct for it is the traders who actually decide rate of items to be sold to the consumers, Jadumani iterated that unless an effective mechanism is put in place to restrict entry of outsiders the indigenous people will continue to suffer.

Wondering as to what compelling factor is choking the Government of Manipur from enforcing ILP system in the state while north eastern States such as Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram are implementing legislation to bar entry of outsiders, he also recalled that in June 2006 the present State Assembly Speaker I Hemochandra had proposed introduction of ILP system failing which the indigenous population faces great danger of being gradually wiped out.

Further noting that a private member resolution on the said issue would be tabled by the CPI's N Mangi in tomorrow's session of the Assembly, the FREINDS president urged all political parties and their legislators to support the motion.

Confiding that he had already discussed the issue with the Chief Minister, MPCC president Gaikhangam, Ministers and Congress MLAs, Jadumani exuded confidence that the ruling Congress will take the lead in adopting an effective legislation with regard to ILP system.

Manipur has already lost its independent status and further ignorance on the serious issue by the elected representatives of the people will not only complicate the situation but dilution of the indigenous population could not be ruled out, he cautioned.

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