House endorses ILP demand, again
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 13 2013: Amidst the ongoing campaigns demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) System in the state the Manipur Legislative Assembly today adopted a resolution for pursuing the issue with the Government of India.

Today's resolution on the issue is the second consecutive decision taken by the House with the first approved in the previous session of the Assembly.

members of both the ruling and Opposition parties were unanimous in resolving that the Central Government be re-approached for relevant measures to extend the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 in Manipur in order to pave the way for implementation of ILP in the state.

Consequent to ruling member RK anand's move on the issue, chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh asserted that as implementation of ILP system in Manipur is the wish of both the masses and State Government there is no inhibition in taking the issue to the Central authorities.

Informing that it is the prerogative of the House whether or not to adopt resolution on ILP, the CM assured that the issue would be vigorously pursued with the Central leaders.

Reiterating that NGOs campaigning for implementation of ILP do not amount to anti-national activities, he nevertheless affirmed that NGOs taking the law into their hands and prohibiting entry of indian citizens or restricting their free movement in the State would certainly compel the Government to take action as such acts are against the basic principle of a democratic country.

Stressing on the need for democratic and peaceful mode of movement on any issue, Ibobi expressed strong resentment against disturbance caused to academic activities.

He also clarified that with the last resolution by the House on ILP technically lapsing due to absence of relevant notification from the Central Government the State assembly re-adopted the same resolution for renewed pressure on the Centre.

Reaffirming State Government's commitment on the ILP issue, the CM also called upon all concerned to authenticate whether increase in the population in between 1951 to 1961 was due to influx of foreign nationals or error in the census operation.

Ruling out possibility of excessive presence by foreign nationals in Manipur with the assertion that check posts have been established at all the entry points, he also solicited cooperation of all the legislators as they too are fully aware about population in their respective constituencies.

Earlier, RK Anand expressed serious concern that failure to put in place an effective mechanism to check rapid increase of non-local population would pose serious threat to the indigenous people of Manipur.

Opining that present discordance between the NGOs and the Government of Manipur over the ILP issue is a direct fallout of the Central Government not acting in favour of the State assembly resolution, he emphasised on joint sessions to work out an effective strategy.

Among others MLAs Dr Ng Bijoy, L Nandakumar, L Ibomcha and Dr I Ibohalbi also presented their respective viewpoints on the issue.

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