IMPHAL | Dec 23 : MLA Joykishan said that chief minister, N. Biren should take the initiatives to take the issue of inner line permit to the Centre in order to pave the way for a bill that safeguards the rights of all indigenous communities of the state.
The MLA was speaking to media persons while visiting senior journalist of Ichel Express, Chandam Netraj, who has been at ICU, Shija hospital since December 15 due to a severe blood pressure stroke.
Joykishan said that journalists of the state are taking a vital role since decades by risking their lives for the welfare of the people. Dedicated work of journalists saved the integrity of Manipur during the crisis of June 18, 2001 which came about because of the ceasefire agreement “without territorial limits” signed between NSCN-IM and central government, he added.
He continued that the issue over the framework agreement signed between NSCN-IM and central government is open to the public only because of journalists. Media in the state is taking an immense role in bringing about peace and welfare for the state. People should give moral support for journalists in order to get free and fair communication across the state, said Joykishan.
Replying to another question on the issue of ILP bill, Joykishan said the resolution of the bill cannot be passed through letters and therefore it is important for the chief minister to take the initiative personally to reach an understanding with the Prime Minister.
He further said that agitation for implementation of ILP has been less in the last few months as people have lost their faith on the present government of the state.
He assured that ILP bill can be implemented without affecting the rights of any indigenous community only if Congress government comes in the state as ruling party.
Source: Imphal Free Press
