ILPS: Agitators welcome passing of bill, stir called off

The assembly had unanimously passed a private member's bill on ILPS and urged the Centre to help the state implement the regulation, which would restrict entry of outsiders to the Congress-ruled state.

The Joint Action Committee on ILPS, which is steering the agitation, welcomed the step of the assembly and said the IPLS was needed in view of influx of outsiders who outnumbered the tribal population in the state.

Convenor of the JAC Sapamcha Jadumani said passing of the bill was a historic moment and requested all MLAs to urge the Centre to help implement the ILPS which is in force in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagland.

Official sources said sit-in protests and rallies in districts like Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishenpur have now been called off.

Government and NGO officials said the number of outsiders who come to the state to work as labourers, workers and to engage in small businesses has exceeded the total tribal population in the state.

"We are not demanding expulsion of citizens from other states. We want that they be given work permit which can be renewed from time to time," a JAC spokesman said.

"Manipuris have become a microscopic community in comparison to other people at the mainland. Our identity, culture and customs should be protected by enacting some laws and Acts," he added.