IMPHAL, December 12: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) today renewed its agitation demanding implementation of the Inner Line Permit in the state by staging a sit in protest.
The demonstration was held at Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall, lamenting the government’s inaction and silence on the issue even after several discussions in the state cabinet and assembly sessions.
Speaking to media persons, convenor, JCILPS, Ibotombi Khuman said that the state government had on three counts passed resolutions to urge the centre regarding the implementation of the ILPS or a similar Act- during a state cabinet meeting on July 12, 2012 and during two Assembly sessions held on July 13, 2012 and June 13, 2013.
He appealed to the government to initiate steps to urge the Centre for the implementation of the ILP or relevant Act under the Indian Constitution article 19 (5) or to enact a suitable law under section 2 of the State List, Item number 18.
The government has to reaffirm in the upcoming state Assembly which will be held on December 18-19, 20013 and adopt a resolution to enact a law to check the influx of non-locals, he said.
He further continued that the steps taken up to pressurise the government to enforce a related Act is in the interest of the indigenous people; which is the need of the hour before the influx of non-locals into the state gets out of hand, he continued.
He further said that the government and people of the state are yet to receive any positive response and decision regarding the matter from the Union Government even after a lapse of six months.
He further continued that the JCILPS has been performing an Awakening Program of the ILPS in the state.
He further assured that in case the government fails to take any initiative or positive response, the JCILPS will only intensify the agitation.
He lastly said that there could be no problem in the implementation of the ILP in the state or any other relevant Act because it is a legitimate Act, with Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram enjoying the status.
The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System’s, students’ wing and women’s wing also participated in the protest.