The tribal groups in Manipur will launch a sit-in from Monday, Independence Day, in protest against the government’s move to introduce and pass again an Inner Line Permit (ILP) System Bill in the Assembly.
A statement issued by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) said there would be protracted agitations against the “utter negligence and humiliation” heaped on them, adding that no such Bill can be passed.
The ILP sought by the Joint Committee on ILP System (JCILPS) has sparked violent opposition over the past two years. Though the Manipur Assembly passed three Bills — the Manipur Land Reforms & Land Revenue (7th Amendment) Bill, 2015, the Manipur Shops and Establishments (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Protection of the Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015 on August 31, 2015 — tribal opposition has continued with nine persons killed in clashes in Churachandpur district alone. The JAC has not claimed the bodies of the protesters which remain in the district hospital morgue.
President Pranab Mukherjee however, withheld assent for the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015, while returning other two for consideration. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said, “Following the orders issued by the President there is no Bill pending now in the objectionable manner. Under the circumstances, there is no justification in carrying on the anti-Bill agitations.”
However the JAC and the tribal leaders are not convinced and agitations have continued. Meanwhile the JCILPS has resumed its agitation, demanding the introduction of the ILP to regulate the entry and stay of the non-local persons.
A government spokesperson said, “Every care was taken to ensure that the Bill does not hurt interest of any community and tribe”.
