IMPHAL, June 13: Manipur Assembly today unanimously reiterated for the re-introduction of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 in the state of Manipur which was previously resolved in the year 2012 to urge the central government for necessary process. The resolution was passed after it was moved in the House by R K Anand, MLA of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa assembly constituency of the ruling Congress party in the short duration discussion while Dr Ng Bijoy Singh MLA of Khurai assembly constituency seconded the motion.
While moving the motion in the House, RK Anand reminded the resolution of the previous year saying in the discussion that people are demanding for the reintroduction of ILP system in Manipur, He made the note that at the same time, the Indian Constitution has guaranteed under article 19 which says that fundamental rights of every citizen grants for free movement throughout India thereby creating a conflict in this issue. He further maintained that in order to have an amicable solution, a common platform should be initiated for all political parties to review the issue as this issue is very important.
Dr Ng Bijoy Singh who seconded the motion made his observation that rather than to prohibit the non Manipuri, there should be a ‘control mechanism’ and a ‘regulation’ for temporary or permanent settlement. Ruling MLA L Nankumar Singh also supported the motion.
In continuation of the discussion, L Ibomcha Singh, MLA of Keishamthong assembly constituency shared his view that ILP system is now operational in Assam at Naongong, Darrang, Cachhar and Khashi Hills and added that the overpopulation of non Manipuri might give an impact on Manipur language also, but the state government cannot enforce ILP system in Manipur as it is in the Union list. He added that the state government should urge the central government, and a committee could be constituted in which non Manipuris may be invited.
Furthermore, I Ibohanbi Singh, leader of the opposition shared his view saying that the previous resolution of the House in this regard might be lapsed owing to exceeding 6 months and further urged the government for a wholehearted effort to extend the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 and informed the House to check the electoral roll. He further informed the House of the census record of 1951 and 1961 in which there was a quantum jump of population while reminding that ILP was operational in Manipur since its merger on Oct 15 1949 until its cancellation on Nov 18 1950 by Commissioner Himat Singh and demanded to convince the Government of India by giving signatures signed in blood if necessary.
After having heard the discussion, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh made his concluding remarks that the previous resolution has been lapsed as it exceeded the 6 months time frame. He then added that a similar resolution is necessary as the issue is very serious and pointed out that an amendment of the Constitution is necessary, for which, an all political party delegation should go and urge the Prime minister and Home minister.
On making observation of the census of 1951 and 1961, the Chief Minister said, “let us jointly check the abnormal growth population between the census periods and see if the enumerators have recorded it wrongly as 20 to 21% growth is acceptable while 60 to 80 is unacceptable.”
The Chief minister further called for the motion unanimously in the interest of the people and if necessary, an all political party meeting may be called after the conclusion the session and mentioning of a possible constitution amendment of article 19 section (5).
Later on, the Speaker of the house have his acceptance to pass the motion unanimously for the reintroduction of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 which was moved by RK Anand Singh, MLA of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa assembly constituency.