Irom Sharmila backs ILPS
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 14 2013 :
Irom Sharmila Chanu has extended solidarity to the growing movement demanding the implementation of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in Manipur.
ILPS, which bars "outsiders" to enter a State and stay there without permission, is enforced in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram but it was withdrawn from Manipur in November, 1950 .
The Joint Committee on ILPS (JCILPS), has been launching different modes of agitation in pursuit of its demand since June 1 to safeguard the identity, culture, tradition and existence of the indigenous Manipuri people.
"Outsiders" according to JCILPS are those coming from different parts of mainland States of India (coming to Manipur) .
Driving out of illegal immigrants coming from Bangladeh, Nepal and Myanmar from Manipur is also incorporated in the current stir.
Showing solidarity with the JCILPS's movement, the "Iron Lady" of Manipur said that the unchecked influx of thousands of "outsiders" in the State is dangerous.
The influx would lessen the existence and identity of the indigenous people in Manipur, Sharmila said when she was produced before an Imphal Court today.
The Government has booked her under section 309 IPC (attempt to commit suicide) .
A resident of Kongpal Kongkham Leikai in Imphal East, Sharmila has been on hunger fast against the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act since November 2000 .