Protesters demand state govt introduce ILP bill in current session
Newmai News Network
Imphal | September 2
The Manipur government did not table any new bill related to the Inner Line Permit or migrant issue on the first day of the assembly session today.
The Congress government headed by Okram Ibobi announced that a fresh anti-migrant bill would not be introduced in the current session of the assembly citing time constraint.
Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), a citizens’ body, has been launching the campaign for introduction of a tough legislation similar to Inner Line Permit (ILP) to check inrush of non-locals into Manipur and safeguard the interests of the indigenous people.
The Joint Committee has expressed strong displeasure over the government decision, saying CM Ibobi and his Deputy Gaikhangam had been assuring the people for tabling a new bill and get it passed in the assembly.
It said the House Session will not be allowed to adjourn sine die until the proposed bill is tabled and passed.
Activists of Women Wing, JCILPS today held a protest rally here at Keishampat demanding the government to introduce ILP bill in the current assembly session. They shouted several slogans against the government’s announcement that no bill on ILP will be introduced in the House.
Students’ Wing of the Joint Committee during a press meet at JCILPS office also on Friday warned of intensifying ILP stir in the backdrop of the government decision.
However, three bills were tabled in the House Manipur Legislative Assembly today. The Manipur Technical University Bill, 2016, Dhanamanjuri University Bill, 2015 and Manipur State Higher Education Council Bill, 2016 are set to pass in the House on the last day of the session on September 5, government sources informed.
Meanwhile, an obituary reference on the death of former MLA of Kangpokpi constituency, Kishore Thapa was read out. Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led the members of the House in paying obituary reference to condole the demise of Kishore Thapa.
Paying tribute to the former three-time MLA, CM Ibobi stated that Thapa played a crucial role in the effort to resolve difficult issues of Sadar Hills. “He was a capable legislator.”
A two-minute silence in the House was observed as a mark of respect to late Thapa. Speaker Thokchom Lokeswar Singh said the House shares the grief of the bereaved family of Thapa.
