Newmai News Network
Imphal | July 8
Thousands paid rich tributes to “student martyr” Sapam Robinhood who was killed during a police crackdown on Inner Line Permit (ILP) movement here last year. Floral tributes were paid to the 17-year-old at Awa Ching, the foothills of Baruni hill in Imphal East where his mortal remains are buried on his first death anniversary.
Robinhood, a class 12 student, was given the title of “Lamjing Meira” or pioneering light after he lost his life during police excesses on the fateful day on July 8, 2015.
Leaders from Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), civil societies and people from different parts of the state took part in the function.
Thang-Ta artistes gave salute to the late student on the occasion where members of Robinhood Foundation and Robinhood’s family members and relatives were also present.
JCILPS convenor in charge Bijoy Kumar Moirangcha said the drafting of the new ILP was nearing completion and expressed confidence that the bill will be introduced in the state assembly soon.
Among three ILP related bills passed by the state assembly last year, the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015 was recently rejected by the President.
The Manipur government has already announced to table the new bill in the upcoming assembly session to be held in July.
The joint committee demands that a regulation similar to Inner Line Permit System be enforced in the state to curb illegal inrush of migrants into Manipur.
BK Moirangcha said a series of agitations will resume in the next two-three days to demand introduction of ILP in the state. “The public will be informed soon about the planned series of agitations,” he added.
“Justice has not been done yet till date. The government has not been showing concern for justice for the killing of my son,” said Robinhood’s father Sapam Romesh Singh with tears in his eyes.
Schools across the valley were closed as students paid respects to late Robinhood on the occasion. Student union of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy, Imphal where Robinhood was studying also marked the day.
