IMPHAL, July 30: The people are aware that the government has no tangible stand on the ongoing demand for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit System or a similar law in the State, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System told media persons today.
Speaking at a press conference at the Keishampat office of the United People`™s Front, JCILPS convenor in charge Khomdram Ratan said the people are aware of the delaying tactics of the government on the issue and that it has no will to bring a proper solution to the people`™s demand.
In such a scenario the JCILPS cannot hold any talks with the government, he said.
The government with its delaying tactics is only trying to befool the public, which we are aware of and as such there will be no let up in the people`™s movement demanding implementation of the ILPS, he asserted.
Elucidating on the fear of the people which has led to the uproar for the ILPS, Ratan observed that of the 27 lakhs approx State population, a staggering 10 lakhs are outsiders.
He said so long as there is no stopping of the large scale entry of illegal non-locals the apprehension of the local populace that they will end up marginalised will not be assuaged.
This is the time for the State government to act swiftly and allay the fear and apprehension of its people, Ratan observed. The elected representatives are here to represent their people and have the advantage to enact any legislation for the welfare of their people and if they are unable to do so, it would be because of their incompetence, he rued.
The JCILPS, he announced has also commenced its civil disobedience movement against the government from today.
Late Sapam Robinhood has already been declared a martyr with the title of `Yelhoumee Kannabagi Lamjing Meira` however, his body still lies unclaimed at the JNIMS mortuary since July 8, Ratan observed, adding further that this is due to the negligence of the State government.
Even though it has been more than 20 days now since his death, the government has failed to even suspend the personnel responsible for the student`™s death, he lamented.
Emphasising on the issue of closure of the educational institutes in the State capital, he said this could only mean a negative impact on the students of Manipur.
Expressing concern on the reports of incidents of media persons and medical staff being assaulted by protestors during the movement, he said the JCILPS has repeatedly urged the volunteers and agitators not to disturb the essential services including media persons, medical staff and those attending religions functions.
He further urged all supporters and agitators to comply with the appeal and stop hindering movements of the essential services.
Co-convenor of the JCILPS, Haopu Kom said the ongoing movement demanding ILPS in the State is for the entire State and not just for a community.
The report of some tribes not wanting to join the movement is regrettable and unfortunate, he said observing that the movement needs co-operation from every section of the society for the government to fulfill the demand.
He said Khurai is the epicenter of the ongoing agitation as it is the locality of Sapam Robinhood who was killed due to police action at a rally demanding ILPS.
Now the blockade at Dingku Road by the JAC is because it is the main road passing through their locality and not to cut-off Ukhrul, he continued.
Every section of the society should understand the sentiment of the movement and support it instead of spreading rumours and baseless information to tarnish the image of the ongoing movement, he continued.