Meet notes ILP system, influx
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 25 2012: Inner Line Permit System and threats posed by unchecked influx of non-local people were deliberated threadbare during a one-day public dialogue held at Manipur Press Club here today.

The public dialogue held on the themes 'Re-introduction of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 (Inner Line Permit) and 'Importance of the Foreigner Act 1986' was organised by the Life Watch Manipur.

Many speakers who took part in the dialogue opined that the Government of Manipur seemed to be confused between Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873 and the Foreigner Act 1986 .

Nevertheless, the same regulation has been already enforced in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram so as to protect the rights, traditions and economy of the indigenous peoples.

The Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873, better known as Inner Line Permit System was for controlling movement/migration of Indian citizens from one State to another whereas the Foreigner Act 1986 is for checking entry and settlement of foreigners within India.

Whereas the Foreigner Act is enforced all over the country, ILP System is enforced only in Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.

It is within the purview of the respective State Governments whether or not ILP System should be enforced in their States.

Giving key-note address of the public dialogue, Life Watch secretary general Ningthoukhongjam Rajesh pointed out that Article 8 of the Manipur Merger Agreement 1949 guarantees that India would respect and protect indigenous religions, social practices and economy of Manipur.

However, the Government of India has done nothing to protect socio-economic institutions and religions of Manipur.

The Government has not taken up a single step to check influx of both internal immigrants (Indians) and external immigrants (foreigners), Rajesh said.

According to the census report of 2011, immigrants constituted eight lakhs out of the total population of 27 lakhs.

Saying that trans-Asian highway would pass through Manipur, Rajesh cautioned that the rate of influx would increase manifold once this grand highway project is materialised.

Under such scenario, the ever multiplying population of immigrants would take over the place of indigenous people, if the influx of immigrants is not checked immediately, Rajesh said.

Advocate M Gourahari noted that the indigenous traditions, culture, language, customs and identity have been reeling under severe impacts on account of the incessant influx of outsiders.

Many jobs which would be otherwise available to unemployed local youths have been grabbed by the ever increasing immigrants.

"We don't mean no outsiders should be banned from entering Manipur.

We are only demanding the State Government to check their reason for coming to Manipur and the expected periods of their stay in the State", Gourahari said.

The Government can keep a count of the immigrants only when the ILP system is introduced, he asserted.

The public dialogue was also attended by former president of the All Manipur Bar Association Khaidem Mani, Life Watch chief administrator Angomcha Araba, Public Grievances Forum president Thoudam Manihar, general secretary of the forum Ningthoujam Brojen and former general secretary of the All Manipur Bar Association Advocate Y Priyokumar as presidium members.

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