Bandh in major markets in Imphal,greater Imphal areas on Dec20

Speaking to mediapersons here, convenor of the Joint Committee of Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), formed by some social organisations, Sapamcha Jadumani said the bandh would be enforced from 4 am to 6 pm at Khwairambandh market in the heart of the capital and markets at Shingjamei, Lamlong, Tera, Pureiromba, Kwakeithel, Konung Mamang, Pishum and Lamphel.

Shopowners, vendors and business persons and several other persons of different social organisations would also launch a sit-in at these markets from 9 am to 3 pm on December 20 to press the demand, Jadumani Said.

He said people who have come here as labourers, workers, small time business persons and others have far outnumbered the tribal population of the state and in the next few years they might outnumber the entire indigenous population of the state.

Jadumani said Manipur assembly had adopted a resolution to implement the ILPS in the state but while forwarding the resolution to the Centre, the government failed to give complete details and present scenario in the state.

"As a result, the central government has not responded to the resolution adopted in the assembly", he claimed.

Meanwhile, some social organisations including Federation of Regional Indigenous Society said they would support the bandh and participate in the sit-ins.

Official sources said the government was aware of the situation arising out of the continuous influx of outsiders and stepped up checking at three border points at Jiribam in Imphal east district (bordering Assam), Mao (bordering Nagaland) and Moreh (bordering Myanmar).