The Bills can be amended, if needed : JCILPS
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 13 2015:
JCILPS convenor-in-charge Ratan Khomdram has today categorically stated that the three Bills passed by the State Legislative Assembly on August 31 could be amended and corrected if necessary.
He was addressing media persons at the Lanna Thouram ritual of Sapam Robinhood held at Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen, Thangmeiband today.
Attended by hundreds of people from different communities, the Lanna Thouram ritual began with a Pena performance followed by offering of prayers by different communities like Meitei, Hindu, Kabui, Christian and Meitei Muslim.
The gathering lit candles and paid floral tributes at the portrait of the brave soul.
Titular King Leishemba Sanajaoba graced the ritual held at the Ima Khunthokhanbi Shanglen today.
Civil society organisations, Meira Paibi associations, local clubs, students and other people from different walks of life attended the ritual.
Former Thangmeiband kendra MLA Kh Joykishan was among other notable personalities attending the ritual.
Speaking to media persons JCILPS convenor-in-charge Ratan Khomdram said the sacrifice made by Robinhood have awakened a sense of responsibility among the people of the State.
Expressing disappointment with the violence in the aftermath of the passing of the three Bills, Ratan Khomdram said the Bills does not harm the interest of any indigenous community in the State.
The JCILPS spearheaded the demand for ILPS to protect the original settlers of Manipur, Ratan stated.
As such, different communities opposing the Bills must come to an understanding that the content of the said Bills does not impinge upon the rights of the hill people.
Without support from the hill people, the implementation of the three Bills would be rendered meaningless, Ratan stated.
Adding that the Bills would benefit both the valley and the hill people, Ratan said in case there is any misunderstanding due to communication gap or other factors, the same can be resolved through peaceful dialogue.
Even if the three Bills have any lapses or flaws, all the people ought to support the Bills, he added.
JCILPS has already met some leaders of hill people and it is working to hold a joint meeting with all the leaders of hill based civil society organisations to discuss the contents of the Bills in detail.
All the Bills can be discussed together clause by clause and if the hill people have any objections or difference of opinion, the same could be amended to the satisfaction of all stake holders.
The JCILPS has its door wide open for negotiation towards an amicable solution.
The Chief Ministers of Nagaland and Mizoram were meddling with the internal affairs of the State by openly censuring the three Bills but this was none of their business, Ratan said.
They must not overlook the fact that ILPS is in force in their respective States.
Ratan expressed strong disapproval against media reports published outside the State which alleged that the non-local people were harassed in the course of the ILPS movement.
Non-local people were never subjected to any form of harassment nor were they asked to leave the State at any point of time.
Bihar MP Pappu Yadav was deliberately floating false and misleading propaganda to take political mileage with a view to the Bihar election which is round the corner.
JCILPS has met Marwari, Sikh and Bihari communities and all the parties have come to an understanding.
They acknowledged that there was no case of harassment of non-local people.
Moreover, they supported the movement.
Ratan has further appealed to all other States in India not to believe in the allegations charged against Manipur my media or individuals outside the State.
JCILPS chairman Chanamthabam Premchand said the gathering of different communities in today's ritual resounds the idea of oneness.
He said, the demand for ILPS in the State was entirely meant to protect the indigenous settlers of the State.
The implementation of the three Bills passed by the State Assembly will not harm the interest of any hill communities.
The chairman has further called for a dialogue with civil society organisations in hill districts to discuss the contents of the Bills.
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