IMPHAL, May 21: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has threatened to take up stronger forms of agitation citing government’s failure to understand the public sentiment and work accordingly.
The committee today warned to close down political party offices in the State starting from May 24 which is to be followed by closure of government offices under the banner “Get Out.”
Addressing media persons today at their Keishampat office, JCILPS convenor Kh Ratan said closures of the political party offices and government offices will aim at paralysing the political parties and government.
Ratan further appealed to the people to participate in the candle light vigil which will be held on May 23 around 7pm to pressure the government to immediately implement the Inner Line Permit System in the State.
At the sametime, he has urged the all-political parties’ delegation to act boldly and promptly in accordance with the public sentiment instead of deploying delaying tactics.
He demanded whether the State political leaders are afraid of visiting the national capital fearing negative response from the Central leaders or whether they are waiting for the IMC polls.
Ratan said the government and political party leaders of the State should be fully aware of their immense responsibility towards addressing the deep rooted apprehension and insecurity of the people on the issue.
The government should initiate actions on the seven-point agreement signed between the JCILPS and the government on August 25 last which includes among others constitution of a Manipur State Population Commission, a separate Manipur State Land Reforms Commission and implementation of the relevant clauses in agreement between the All Manipur Students Union and AMSCOC and the State government which was signed on July 22, 1980, he added.
He said the JCILPS will not tolerate any blame game among the political parties or any tendency of shirking responsibilities of the political leaders at such a crucial juncture.
Meanwhile, expressing unhappiness on unwarranted harassment to media persons and other emergency services by protestors, he appealed to all supporters of the movement to strictly follow the guidelines prescribed by the JCILPS for the agitations.
Ratan also expressed unhappiness on the death of Okram Balendro at Uripok during the night of May 20. He said the JCILPS will look into the cause of the death.
Meanwhile, the JCILPS has also expressed happiness to the people for the success of the 38-hour long agitation and further appealed to all to support the future course of agitation.
Ratan appealed to the people to bear the inconveniences till the demands are met by the government.
He said the JCILPS is also happy that no non-local are contesting the upcoming IMC election.