Persisting with the demand for re-introduction of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Manipur, FREINDS in association with Planning & Progressive Committee, Naharol Sintha kanglup organised a sit-in-demonstration at Wangkhei Keithel Ashangbi community hall today.
Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the implement-ILP campaign held from 11 am till about 3 pm, FREINDS advisor H Kula urged the people for sustaining the movement until and unless both the State and Central Governments initiate relevant measures to put ILP system in place.
Pointing out that ILP system is already in place in neighbouring States like Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh, Kula wondered why the same legislation could not be enforced in Manipur.
Stating that ILP has constitutional validity, he suggested that the Manipur Legislative Assembly need to merely recommend introduction of ILP to the Central Government.
Further explaining that demand for ILP system neither pose threat to the national integrity of India nor does it amount to demanding Manipur’s sovereignty, Kula stated that the demand is for protecting the indigenous people from further dilution of the indigenous identity.
Grimly noting gradual domination of Manipur’s commercial area/entities specially Khwairamband Keithel by non-local traders, advisor of the ILP spearhead also cited increasing non-local population in Mantripukhri, Telipati and Jiribam sub-division areas as a testimony of unrestrained influx of migrant workers and traders from outside Manipur.
Reiterating appeal to the masses for continuous cooperation and participation in the campaigns for ILP, he opined that fate of the Manipur masses very much depend on the commitment and positive attitude of the State assembly’s 60 elected representatives of the people.