Mizoram cracks down against non-locals
Source: The Sangai Express / Laishram Shamungou

Imphal, November 24 2010: Mizoram is no place for those who have no Inner Line Permit (ILP) and the implementation of ILP system there is such that non-Mizos who do not possess the document are transported beyond the boundary of the State in terms of truck loads every day.

A team of 13 journalists who recently conducted a tour of Mizoram witnessed strict implementation of ILP system by the State administration.

In the interest of protecting the indigenous people, Mizoram Government does not allow settlement of any outsider who do not have Inner Line Permit in any part of the State.

Mizoram Chief Secy and DGP interact with scribes from Manipur

Every day Mizoram police round up non-Mizos who do not possess ILP and transported them in trucks beyond the State boundary.

In fact, the touring journalists saw a large number of non-locals being transported in trucks for not possessing Inner Line Permit.

Most of the shops in Mizoram are also run by the local people and it is rare to see non-locals engaging in such enterprises.

Interacting with media-persons in connection with implementation of ILP system, Chief Secretary of Mizoram Van Hela Pachou, however, maintained that Mizoram has been rather flexible with regard to implementation of ILP system.

He also pointed out that out of the total population of 8.8 lakh in Mizoram, non-Mizos constitute around 1 lakh.

In response to a question on reported handcuffing of non-Mizos and more particularly Manipuri Meiteis and keeping them in custody, although they are not criminal, last month, the officer clarified that there is no such report.

DGP of Mizoram Lalrokhuma Pachou, who was also present during the meeting with the Chief Secretary, explained that the drive against non-Mizos who do not possess ILP had been conducted under the supervision of ADC and SP of Aizawl.

All the Manipuris should have ILP if they are staying in Mizoram, the DGP said.

When asked why only the Manipuri Meiteis have been targeted and the Manipuri tribals settling in Mizoram have not been arrested, the Chief Secretary and the DGP failed to give any comment.

It may be noted here that apart from a large number of Manipuri Engineer, Policemen and teachers, there are many labourers working in Mizoram.

Many Mizos including former Chief Minister of Mizoram Zoramthanga and those who went on to become IAS and IPS officers have been educated from Manipur and there are a large number of Mizos living in Manipur.