IMPHAL, December 2 (NNN): The Joint Committe on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has on Wednesday expressed dismay over the Manipur government’s alleged failure to translate into action the crucial agreement inked between the two sides in August this year.
During a press meet at JCILPS office here committe convenor in-charge Khomdram Ratan warned the Manipur government it would resort to a fresh sustained agitation from December 16 in case the points in the agreement are not implemented by December 15.
He regretted that the State government is allegedly still unwilling to implement the important agreement. Khomdram Ratan also expressed discontent against the government for its indecisive stand on the fate of three ILP Bills since their passing by the state assembly on August 31 this year.
JCILPS spearheaded a nearly three-month long agitation in Manipur demanding an appropriate law similar to ILP to regulate influx of migrants into Manipur. The ILP movement grew up after a class 12 student and ILP supporter, Sapam Robinhood was killed in police crackdown in Imphal on July 8.
Normal life was completely thrawn out of gear due to the IPL stir during which all educational institutes were also forced to close down.
Several protestors were also injured during the agitation which ended only after the government decided to pass the three Bills under intense public pressure.
The Protection of Manipur People’s Bill, 2015, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 and Manipur Shop and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 were finally passed in the assembly by a voice vote.
As per the agreement, among others, the government has to constitute a Manipur State Population Commission to assess the problems and issues of demographic imbalance and other related matters so as to take up measures towards social harmony and peace.
To prepare a white paper on population influx by the state government is also one of the important points mentioned in the agreement.
According to the agreement, the government shall also constitute a Manipur State Land Reform Commission to undertake a review of the situation arising out of complexities related to land, resources and population dynamics and advise the government on effective measures on land use policies and help ameliorate inter-community tension and enhance the respect for democracy and diversity in the state.
The agreement further reads the government shall urge the Central government to enact other appropriate Acts and Rules which may be beyond the purview of the State Government for the protection of the people of Manipur.