IMPHAL, August 9: Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) observed World Indigenous People Day at Manipur Press Club here today with president of Kangleipak Womens`™ Association Ima Memcha; Convener in-charge of JCILPS Kh Ratan; president of AMKIL Ima Sakhi and president of KANGLAMEI Ima Leirik Leima attending as presidium members.
Addressing the gathering, Kh Ratan reiterated that JCILPS had submitted a 99-page memorandum which includes five points to the government on August 8 justifying the collective demand for introduction of Inner Line Permit System or similar law in the State to regulate the incessant influx of outsiders which has posed a serious threat to the existence of indigenous people.
He stated that the World Indigenous People Day celebration is important for the State given the apparent fact that protection of indigenous people by passing an effective bill is being taken lightly by the government.
He asserted that the observance also provided an opportunity to discuss the five-point memorandum submitted to the government for acknowledgement.
There has been a notable development in the ongoing mass movement for enactment of a new bill acceptable to the people as the government has assured to look into the five-point demands unanimously adopted during a public convention on July 23 at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen to be included in the proposed bill, the convener in-charge of JCILPS said.
Maintaining that the committee spearheading the ongoing mass movement is ready to hold talk with the government on the proposed bill in case there is invitation, he made it clear that any talk with the government should be transparent and based on agendas acceptable to all sections of the people.
Once invitation comes from the government side for meeting on the issue, the committee will highlight agendas to be discussed and delegations/members who will attend the meeting, he said, adding that outcome of any meeting with the government will be made public.
If any critical situation arises out of meeting then the committee will seek suggestions from the people and subsequently the government will be urged to pay heed to the suggestions sought, he continued.
Delivering key note address, co-convener of JCILPS BK Moirangcha stated that
Sapam Robinhood lost his life and scores of others including students sustained injuries in police action during the mass agitation demanding enforcement of ILPS in the State which is a legitimate demand.
He said that people should unanimously adopt certain resolutions to safeguard the indigenous people on World Indigenous Day observation which is pertinent from Manipur perspective.
Stating that different forms of democratic agitation should continue till the five points put up by the committee to the government to be included in the proposed bill are included, he pledged that JCILPS will continue to work for protection of the indigenous people and future generation.
Attending as resource persons, Jiten, Yumnamcha Dilip and Lokendro Arambam spoke on relevant topics on implementation of ILPS or similar law in the State without further delay.