IMPHAL, July 31: Pledging to continue the ongoing mass movement for safeguarding the indigenous people till an acceptable bill to restrain the unchecked influx of outsiders into the state is passed by the government, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has categorically stated that the committee and public only want implementation of effective bill to serve the purpose nothing else.
A statement of JCILPS said the constitution of the Drafting Committee by the government has nothing to do with the committee and public, while reiterating that the committee representing the people had submitted a five-point memorandum to the government to be included in the proposed bill.
However, the government came up with the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 which only favours outsiders instead of a bill acceptable to all sections of the people. The controversial bill was withdrawn only after witnessing public outcry. The ongoing mass agitation by the public is due to the apparent failure of the government to pass a bill to safeguard the indigenous people, it pointed out.
The MRVT & MW Bill was passed in the Assembly despite holding series of talks between the government and committee and convening meeting of all political parties to pass an acceptable bill. This clearly shows that the government is working against the wishes of the people, it said.
Stating that JCILPS welcomed the constitution of the Drafting Committee, the statement said that the resignation of three MLAs from the Drafting Committee is a well orchestrated political game staged by the government, which the people are well aware.
The unwarranted remarks of MLA Ng Bijoy that the Drafting Committee is still waiting for submission of the five-point recommended by JCILPS to be included in the proposed draft bill has proved that the insincerity of the Drafting Committee, it claimed.
The statement wondered how come the government and Drafting Committee do not know the five-point recommendations which were adopted during a public consultation held on July 23 last.
Reiterating that the five-point recommendations to be included in the proposed draft bill will not be altered at any cost, the statement reaffirmed that the committee and public will not fall prey to the delaying tactics adopted by the government on the proposed bill.