FREINDS renews ILP pledge
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 15 2013 : Renewed pledge to sustain the ongoing campaign for re-introduction of inner line permit system in the State and felicitation of local cobblers and hairdressers marked the 8th foundation anniversary celebration of ILP-campaigner Federation of Indigenous Societies (FREINDS) held today at Manipur Press Club.

Speaking at the occasion, FREINDS president Sapamcha Jadumani emphasised that campaign for implementation of ILP in Manipur entails cooperation and active participation of every section of the society rather than leave the task to the organisation.

Expressing grave concern over continuous influx of non-locals, particularly migrant worker into Manipur, he reiterated that the only means for saving the indigenous people from gradual extinction is to put in place an effective mechanism to check the trend of non-local invasion.

Referring to implementation of ILP in the North Eastern States of Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh for protecting the indigenous tribes in these States, Jadumani wondered why the same restriction cannot be applied in Manipur wherein the combined population of the indigenous people are in danger of being overtaken by the non-Manipuris.

Hailing the Mizoram people for their work culture and sense of nationalism, the president said introduction of ILP needs to be supplemented by hard-work and nationalistic ethos.

In Mizoram not only is the presence of non-locals negligible but the locals run almost every trade and commerce activities, he said while noting that Mizos purchase goods only from shops owned by the locals.

Regretting that resolutions adopted by the Manipur State Assembly regarding implementation of ILP in the State had not been able to convince the Central Government on the severity of the non-local population issue, Jadumani further pointed out that demand for ILP has nothing to do with repatriation of non-Manipuris from the State.

Similar to the situation in Tripura State where the indigenous Tripuris have been reduced to minority there is no guarantee that Manipur too would face the same fate if effective mechanism is not put in place to protest the indigenous people, he said.

While FREINDS general secretary Joy Chingakham and legal advisor Mutum Gourahari, in their addresses, called upon the people for sustaining the campaign on ILP issue, its advisor Thoudam Manihar asserted that demand for ILP is neither unconstitutional nor against the non-local populace but a movement to protect the indigenous people from extinction.

Under ILP a proper and efficient mechanism would be possible for identification and systematic entry of non-locals, he said.

In sync with the anniversary celebration theme of 'Big Family, Happy Family', event dignitaries presented gifts to woman (mothers) with maximum number of children.

Moreover, cobblers and barbers from indigenous communities were also honoured at the occasion.

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