Newmai News Network
Imphal | May 20
Life was brought to a complete halt on Friday in Manipur’s valley districts on the first day of a two-day long protest led by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) demanding the Manipur government to expedite implementation of three ILP related Bills.
In order to intensify the campaign for Inner Line Permit System (ILPS), the committee has called a 38-hour mass stay away from work to stage a state wide protest that began at 4 am today.
The strike evoked a near total response in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur. Reports said the four valley districts witnessed a complete bandh. Hundreds of strike supporters blocked roads at various places.
Protesters barricaded roads with burning tyres, tree branches and poles. The Imphal city was placed on lockdown. The Paona bazaar and Thangal bazaar, the main two markets in the city wore a deserted look.
A few vehicles were damaged by protesters at different places during the course of the strike. A large number of women vendors of the iconic Ima Market blocked roads in the historic Khwairamband Keithel area of the city. Protesters also blocked the Imphal-Ukhrul road and National Highways 37 and 102 here.
A protester said: “We need ILP to regulate influx of migrants. The three Bills should be enacted at the earliest.”
The JCILPS, a conglomerate of citizens, is increasing pressure on the Manipur government to better manage the ‘unchecked’ influx of migrants into the state by introducing ILP.
The passing of the three Bills was meant to control influx. The Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015) and Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015) were passed in the state assembly on August 31 last year.
Since then, the Bills are still pending with the President who requires giving his assent to convert them into Acts.
Five injured as police teargas protesters
Imphal, May 20 (IANS): Five people, including three women, were injured when they were hit by teargas shells fired by police during a 38-hour shutdown in Manipur that began on Friday morning. The police action came after hundreds of protesters marched on Friday afternoon from Kwakeithel and nearby areas towards the secretariat to demand presidential assent to three bills already passed by the Manipur assembly.
Police in riot gear tried to stop the processionists near the Keishampat crossing but the marchers were adamant on moving ahead. Police then burst teargas shells to disperse the crowd. Meanwhile, another 24-hour "public curfew" has been called from Sunday midnight to protest the failure of police to nab three accused who fired at and injured 14 people at Nungei in Thoubal district last month.
