Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 25:
Taking strong exception of the defeat of a motion concerning repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the last State Assembly, the Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FREINDS) has declared that it would not accept such a cold treatment by legislators on the issue of enforcing Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) in the State.
A statement issued by FREINDS reminded that out of the State's total population of 23 lakhs, migrants from different states of India and abroad constitute 7 lakhs.
As such, it's high time to check immigration of people from other States of India and foreign countries otherwise the indigenous peoples of Manipur would be reduced to the status of a minority in their own native State within a few years, asserted FREINDS.
Recalling of the assurances given by different political parties during political conferences convened ahead of the 9th Assembly elections to implement ILPS in case they got elected, FREINDS said that the people have been closely watching the politicians to act positively on the issue of ILPS.
It also observed that the entire trade and commerce of the State has been monopolised by outsiders.
On the other hand, the Utlou unit of FREINDS under its Nambol Council was opened today with Laishram Rakhesh and Thounaojam Gunidro as chairman and general secretary of the new unit, added the statement.