Government takes steps to protect non-locals in Manipur

The students' wing of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System suspended the indefinite curfew imposed on non-locals till September 19, after the government agreed to release all of its arrested members.

Following the imposition of curfew, as a precautionary measure, the government had shifted a large number of non-locals into relief camps at different places.

Tight security is in place throughout the state to prevent any untoward incidents.

Raghu Rai, a non-local said, "The Manipur government has brought us to this safe place. But they should find a permanent solution to this so that we do not face problems in earning because we have our families and we have to work daily to support them."

Meanwhile, schools and colleges that had been shut down by the state government since September 11, keeping in view the law and order situation, have been reopened.

The decision was taken after a high-level meeting between the Chief Minister and various top officials and security personnel.

Pushpa Devi, a student said, "I am happy that our schools have re-opened because I had thought that we won't complete our syllabus on time. But now, our syllabus can be covered.

Premila Devi, a local added, "Because of the ILP issue, I do not want the schools to be shut down, as it is a great loss for the students. Even if the schools are shut down, it won't bring any solution. As my children are studying, the schools should function properly, otherwise it will be a problem for the students."

The protests for implementation of the Inner Line Permit system in the state have gained momentum in the last few months.

Protest marches and demonstrations have been taking place all over the state, asking the government to find an immediate resolution to the issue.

The Joint Committee for Inner Line Permit had recently called for a day-long general strike that crippled normal life in the state with vehicular traffic remaining off the roads and markets being shut down.

Chandani Devi, another local resident pointed out, "We do not want bandhs. There are lots of people who have to come out daily to earn their livelihood. Moreover, there are so many people who are sick. So, if there is no vehicle, how will they go to the hospital? So, we do not want any such bandh."

Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Home Affairs said, "We will talk to them and listen to their grievances properly."

The Inner Line permit system restricts the entry of outsiders into a state without authorized permission.

Locals believe that this move is required to check the influx of illegal migrants.

The state government has set up a committee to find an immediate solution to the problem.

The government is also taking steps to address the issue so as to restore peace and avoid further violence in the state.