ILP agitation suspended for Eid celebrations in Manipur

There was a respite on Tuesday in the Inner Line Permit system agitation in Manipur. The activists had suspended the agitation for the day so that the Muslims in the state could celebrate Eid in a befitting manner.

Some Muslim organisations had appealed to the organisers to suspend the agitation so as not to dampen the spirit of Eid. If buses are off the road and road blockades are there, the Muslims will not be able to move around. They said that they are also supporting the demand for Inner Line Permit. The organisers took serious note of the appeal.

However, reports say that the women activists in many parts of the state are planning to take out torch light processions on Tuesday night. Talking to reporters, the activists of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System said that though the budget session was adjourned

sine die on Monday evening, they shall continue the agitations. Referring to the statement of the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh that since the House had already adopted two resolutions on the Inner Line Permit it is considered superfluous to take yet another resolution the activists said that the 60 MLAs are not taking the matter seriously.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ibobi attended Eid prayer on Tuesday at the mosque at Babupara. Talking to reporters, he said that people in the state are of the same family and children of the same parents.

Religion should not divide the people. Reports of other ministers and MLAs joining Eid prayers in mosques at different parts of the state are received.

Police are kept on alert in all the four valley districts where there have been agitations. Though the educational institutions will be reopened from Wednesday, indications are that the government may extend the closure, as the students have been creating law and order problems. The suggestion of the Chief Minister that students should not be dragged into the agitations had fallen on deaf ears. Police have also been asked to step up vigilance since it is feared that some of the students may burn down office buildings. Police announced that since it is not possible to guard all offices at least six employees should be kept round the clock in each office.