'Stir again for inner line permit in Manipur'

A group in favour of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system on Saturday announced it will renew its agitation soon to demand its implementation in Manipur.

Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) Convener Arjun Telheiba said talks will be held with leaders of Manipur tribes in this connection.

On Saturday, Manipur observed the second death anniversary of a student S. Robinhood who was killed in police firing during the ILP agitation.

"Chief minister N. Biren Singh's action in seeking forgiveness from tribals of Churachandpur district is aimed at deriving political mileage. He never consulted the JCILPS before making public statement on the issue," he said.

Following a protracted agitation, the Manipur assembly had passed three anti-migrant bills. The President had declined assent to one bill while two others were returned.

Nine other tribals had died in Churachandpur district while protesting against the three bills that were dubbed "anti-tribal" by its opponents.

Telheiba said: "There is no clause in the bills against the tribals or any other community. It seems a misunderstanding was created on the issue."

The ILP system has been in force in Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh in areas where the entry of non-locals is restricted.

--IANS

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