IMPHAL, February 15: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) strongly condemned Nagaland Chief Minister TR Zeliang’s speech during a Lui Ngai Ni celebration at Ukhrul on February 14.
Speaking to media persons at a press conference held at the office today, JCILPS convenor Khomdram Ratan warned TR Zeliang against interfering in the internal issues of other States.
He charged Zeliang of trying to drive a wedge among the different communities residing in the State and create hatred among the people.
Ratan also debunked the Nagaland CM’s allegations that the bills passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31, 2015 are anti-tribal or unconstitutional or for the State CM to gain a few political points.
He continued, although Zeliang charged the bills to be anti-tribal and unconstitutional, he failed to explain as to why it is anti-tribal or unconstitutional.
This shows that Zeliang was trying to incite hatred among the people only and that the Nagaland Chief Minister was speaking without any knowledge of the bills with the intention to disintegrate Manipur.
He demanded TR Zeliang to clarify his statement and for the Government of Manipur to seek a clarification from the Nagaland CM.
The Eastern Bengal Frontier Regulation 1873 which is much similar to the three bills passed by the State Assembly on August 31, 2015 is already implemented in Nagaland and while the Inner Line Permit System which is also similar to the three bills is implemented in Mizoram, he said.
The three bills passed by the State Assembly aspire to protect the indigenous population in the State including those residing in the hills as well as in the plains, he added.
Meanwhile, the JCILPS convenor also said that their “Save Indigenous People Campaign” will be resumed soon.
The campaign will include non-cooperation movement, poster campaign, street corner meetings to spread awareness on the issue, he said.
He added the JCILPS will continue its agitation until the ILPS or a similar Act is implemented in the State.
He further urged all communities to remain calm as the three bills will not harm the interest of any communities.
Ratan also said that the JCILPS will start checking migrant workers on whether they hold labour card issued by the Labour department.
According to the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1978 any migrant worker should have the labour card. This Act is applied throughout the whole country, he said
He continued, during a special body meeting held on February 11 the committee had selected its executive council with himself as convenor, BK Moirangcha, P Arjun Telheiba, Ksh Somorendro, MD Khiruddin Shahmoijingmayum as co-convenors, Haopu Kom, Jitendra Ningombam, MD Hayatur Rahman Yumkhaibam, Waikhom Rabi, Ngangom Deva as executive member and Oinam Nandababu as convernor student wing.