"Hasty decision on ILP issue would be impractical"
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, August 20 2014:
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said on Wednesday any hasty decision on the current issue relating to demand for introduction of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Manipur would be an impractical move.
As in other parts of the country, the 70th birth anniversary of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, better known as Sadbhavana Divas, was observed in Manipur too under the aegis of the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee.
MPCC president Gaikhangam, in commemoration of the birth anniversary, presented several essential commodities to the Working Women Hostel run by All India Women's Voluntary Service, Manipur Branch at Paona International Market.
On the other hand, volunteers of NSUI organised a blood donation camp at RIMS.
MPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Congress MLAs and MPCC leaders came to RIMS and presented snacks to volunteers who were donating blood.
Earlier, a number of Congress workers led by Gaikhangam paid floral tributes to a photograph of Rajiv Gandhi.
Speaking at the gathering held at the Working Women' Hostel, Gaikhangam recalled the contributions and sacrifices made by Rajiv Gandhi for the country.
He specifically mentioned about the legislation enacted during the Prime Ministership of Rajiv Gandhi for the welfare of youth, women empowerment and promotion of information technology.
The demand for ILP implementation is a thorny issue, therefore any hasty decision on it would be unworkable, Gaikhangam said.
"I do not expect any good result from politicizing the ILP issue," he said, informing the All Party ILP Committee is now functioning well.
The Committee has been waiting for the suggestions sought from legal advisors and experts on the issue, he further informed and said the Committee is well aware of the fact that the public are anxious about its stand.
He said there is no question of indulging in delaying tactics over the issue by the State Government.
On the release of anti-AFSPA campaigner Irom Sharmila, Gaikhangam said the Government is examining the court ruling.
He added that the life of Sharmila, who has been on fast for 14 years demanding revocation of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, is the asset of the people of Manipur.