Civil bodies censure police excesses in controlling student movement
IMPHAL, July 25: Condemning police excesses committed against students during protest rallies taken out in demand of the Inner Line Permit in the State, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System announced an 18-hour State-wide bandh, today.
Several organisations have also joined in condemning the harsh police action against the students.
During the past few days, as the State Assembly is in session, students of various schools and colleges have been taking out rallies demanding the implementation of the ILP in the State.
During a press conference today, the JCILPS announced an 18-hour bandh starting from midnight of July 26 and continuing till 6pm of July 26 and demanded discussion of the implementation of the ILP in the State during the ongoing Assembly session.
President of the committee, Ibotombi Khuman demanded the formation of a House committee in this regard.
Although the State Assembly has reaffirmed the implementation of the ILP twice in the past, there has been no positive action in this regard, he said before adding that just prior to the full Budget Session which commenced on July 19, the women wing of the committee had submitted a memorandum to the MLAs and the minister including the Chief Minister to discuss the ILP.
However, none of the 60 members deemed it fit to raise the issue, he said.
He further condemned the harsh behaviour of the police against the students who were only taking out rallies against the negligence of the MLAs and ministers.
He observed that the representatives, who were sent by the people to look after them are now treating them as enemies.
The police show of power was barbaric and such actions should not be repeated again considering the fact that the students were only demanding for the welfare of the State and its people, he said.
Implementation of the ILP in the State has today become a necessity, as there has been a large influx of non-locals without proper identifications, he observed.
Meanwhile, the All Manipur Students Guardians Organisation has also reacted strongly against the police action.
Speaking to the media during a press conference, president of the body, S Sumati condemned the State government for declaring three days educational institute holiday.
She said this is an act of the government to hinder and disrupt the ILP movement.
The police brutality witnessed against the small students is strongly condemnable, she said before demanding strong action against the police personnel involved.
Such actions should not be repeated, she asserted.
Such barbaric acts will not solve the issue but will only fan the public anger, which could lead to more unwanted incidents, she warned.
The demand for ILP is legitimate and is for the welfare of the indigenous people of the State, she said.
