IMPHAL, September 19: The first preliminary talk with the government and the all-political party committee on the implementation of a permit system in Manipur ended on a positive note today, JCILPS convenor Ibotombi Khuman told the media.
Speaking to media persons at the office of the United People’s Front after the talk, Ibotombi said the meeting was held at the Chief Minister’s secretariat this afternoon.
The Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam represented the government, while MLA RK Anand led the 12 member all-political parties committee, he said.
In all 16 JCILPS members led by himself were present in today’s talk, according to the convenor.
Following a detailed discussion on the issue, it was resolve to implement or regulate an Act which would be feasible to the present situation in the State, he said.
The all-political parties committee also highlighted that it has collected suggestions and opinions from legal experts and academics on the issue, he said.
Ibotombi also said that the JCILPS has submitted several memorandums on the issue to the State government.
We are not demanding the exact replica of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 and other specific Act, however, the Act should be similar to the ILPS, he said.
The Act should be able to safeguard the indigenous people and their land, he continued.
Ibotombi also said that the government directed the all-political parties committee to invite JCILPS to a second meeting on September 22 between themselves at the Manipur Assembly Secretariat committee hall.
On the other hand, the JCILPS also expressed the desire to check the expert suggestions and opinions, he said.
The JCILPS has been struggling for long and today’s meeting showed some positive developments, he said.
Meanwhile, deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the Home portfolio has assured befitting actions against additional SP Yengkhom Victoria and her brother if they are found at fault for assaulting JCILPS volunteers after due investigation.
Gaikhangam had also assured that the government takes the issue seriously and if they are found guilty, the government will take legal actions against them, he said.
The deputy Chief Minister was replying to the JCILPS team who had apprised him that the second time the meeting had failed was due to the additional SP’s fault, he said.
He said Victoria had been harsh on the volunteers of the JCILPS student wing, and demanded her suspension.