ILPS issue: A discussion with the past experience

Mustaque Ahmed *

Students Protest Rally at Kakching demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit System on July 28 2014 :: Pix - Gyanand Naorem

Now it's time for ILPS (Inner Line Permit System) issue. It's good that all sections of people started demanding it. The demand can be viewed with some of the significance of ILP as (1) protection of human groups (2) protection of culture (3) protection of land and (4) economical aspects of Manipuri's.

If there is one issue and the demand comes from the public, it should be tackled on a priority basis. It should be solved on a fast track system. Unfortunately, every important issue is acknowledged only after coming to the streets.

The demand for ILP recalls me of my school and pre-university days. We took to the streets, rallied, and shouted on the top of our voices for the issue of Manipuri language to be included in the 8th schedule of our Constitution. We also yelled for the eviction of AR (Assam Rifle) from Kangla. We were made to know by our seniors that these were such a useful demand. On getting the result we overjoyed and celebrated. Getting the result of our demands today we Manipuris are about to reap the fruits in a large extent.

Significantly, it is heard that the post creation of jobs of this language will take place wherever necessary. The language was introduced to study in the school section for quite some time and now it's time to introduce it in the secondary section very soon. Today we are proud to be having a constitutionally recognized mother tongue with the script.

The other issue still fresh in my mind is about the eviction of AR from Kangla. Kangla was a place of our Kings. It is a revered place. Our history had begun from this place. Demand for Kangla was right like ILP now.

History of students' movement and the role of women can't easily be forgotten. Students of those times sweated and struggled to submit memorandum after memorandum to Deputy Commissioners, Chief Ministers, Governors, etc. The inference is that our demands were heard, discussed and channelized.

I still remember the catchphrase "Eikhoigi demand …pigadabani". We forget to quench thirsty feelings and kept on shouting. I kept on thinking whether we could ever reach our goal. Today it's golden history in our memory down lane. Every success has its own harsh days.

It was very glad to read the news about the inclusion of Manipuri language in the 8th Schedule of the constitution by 78th amendment. My question is whether the same can be applied to the present issue? Or is it that we require an Act to be passed in the Parliament. Then in both the cases the initiative can be taken up in the Parliament considering the philosophical merit of the people.

Once, a slogan of respected Netaji S.C. Bose of INA, "Delhi Challo" was very fruitful. Fortunately, we have a demand committee (JCILPS) which with the cooperation of all civil organizations and most importantly women activists can take up the issue with Delhi.

A peaceful rally in front of India Gate and Parliament can also be organized. Most importantly the demand put forward to Delhi by all political party, if it is done very quickly, will be very useful.

This time also the present demand has merits, a point to be recorded in wider aspects. One of the reasons of ILP to be implemented is about the visitors/ guest coming to Manipur. They require taking a permission paper/pass to legally stay in the state.

Secondly, the geographical land area of Manipur is no longer growing. It is meant only Manipuri's.

The third reason is whoever coming to Manipur should find a proper reason for their visit stay here. The visitors will be in the record books to be established by ILP system.

This will prevent claim of any one for their illegal occupation of the land.

Some other reasons are
(1) The state is not resourceful;
(2) Hence, it aims to protect the economical rights of indigenous people (Yelhoumee).

My point is that it is a good demand having lot of merit in itself. This can be fulfilled like the issues of language and eviction of AR from Kangla.