Black badge stir on ILPS demand launched
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 30 2014: A fresh agitation on the long standing demand of enforcing Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur has been launched today in the form of wearing black badges.

The fresh agitation which would continue for one full week was launched together by the Irabot Research and Commemoration Committee (IRCC), Organisation for Movement of Indigenous Peoples of Manipur (OMIPM) and the Students' League Manipur (SLM) .

A team led by IRCC president Sapam Shyamsunder, OMIPM convenor Sagolsem Umakanta and SLM president Eengaleiba Wanglen went to Aimol Tampak, Chandel district today and launched the agitation there.

Aimol Tribe Union Manipur president S Munthuireng and Aimol Students' Union Manipur president Singneithang were also present at the gathering.

People gathered there chanted slogans like "No ILPS, No Rest" and launched the agitation.

They also painted the same slogans on nearby walls.

Speaking to media persons, S Umakanta said the situation is really alarming as the population of immigrants has crossed nine lakh whereas the total population of many indigenous smaller ethnic groups is just around 10,000 .

If the influx continues and when Manipur features in the railway map of India, indigenous Manipuris would be rendered homeless.

In the meantime, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar have already started settling permanently in the border areas of Manipur.

The situation demands collective struggle of all the indigenous people of both the hills and valley, Umakanta said.

A house to house awareness campaign under the banner Yumthong Kheina Paojenba would be launched from July 7, he added.

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