Agitation for implementation of ILP in Manipur from tomorrow

Stepping up its agitation for the implementation of inner line permit (ILP) in Manipur, an apex body of social organisations in the state today said non-locals would not be allowed to enter localities in Imphal and other places of the state for five days from tomorrow.
"We are not against the entry of bonafide citizens of the country but the ILP system must be implemented in the state to protect identities of various indigenous people in the region," a spokesman of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System Manipur (JCILPSM) told media persons here.
The agitation has been launched as the population of outsiders, including migrant workers, who are on the voters list far outnumber the state's tribal population, he said.

The programme from tomorrow marks the second phase of the agitation. The first phase ended during the day when non-locals were prevented from entering Manipur for five days.
The spokesman claimed that the first phase of the agitation was carried out in various parts of the state.
JCILPSM, he said, was not against non-locals and appealed to them to remain indoors during the duration of the agitation.

Shops run by non-locals at different localities would also be shut during the agitational programme but sportpersons and students who come to Manipur for a short stay would be exempted, he added.
Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh said during the day that the state government was pursuing the issue with the Centre following the passing of a resolution by the assembly last year.

Speaking at a social function at Congress Bhavan here, he said the government would not remain silent if the committee volunteers acted in an undemocratic manner.
The government knew that the committee volunteers were holding meetings at educational institutions to create awareness on ILP issue and if there was anything undemocratic in them, action would be taken against those people involved.