IMPHAL, August 19: In an interesting development concerning the demand for Inner Line Permit system, reports have emerged that the state Government has intimated the Centre stating that the ILP system never existed in Manipur, though there was a permit system for outsider entry into the State prior to its merger with the Indian Union in 1949.
Some ILP activist contemplate that this response from the side of the Government could be the reason behind Union Government’s hesitation to heed to the demand for ILPS introduction by the people of the state.
According to information available with IFP, following the resolutions adopted by the state cabinet on July 12, 2012 and resolution adopted by it on July 13, 2012, the Principal Secretary, (Home) Government of Manipur, Dr J Suresh Babu, submitted a written statement to the Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs on August 3, 2012.
In the statement the home department mentioned that the state Cabinet resolved to urge the Government of India to extend the provision of Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 to the state of Manipur. Earlier the Manipur Assembly passed a resolution to extend and adopt the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 with necessary changes in the point of details in the state of Manipur and to urge the Government of India to comply the same.
However, on August 6, 2012 the joint secretary (Home), Government of Manipur, Ningthoujam Geoffrey, also submitted another written statement to the Dr. M. C Mehanathan, Director (NE-I) NE division, ministry of home Government of India.
He mentioned that the State did not have the ILP system in the past. However, the State had a permit system, for entry into and exit from Manipur in force before its merger with the Union of India.
The said permit system was abolished by a notification issued by the then Chief Commissioner, Manipur (Vide No.8597-601 H.D dated November 18, 1950 which was published in the Manipur Gazette dated November, 18 1950).
Moreover, the statement said that the implementation of ILP system does not arises as there was no ILP in Manipur before.
