Imphal, August 9: As observed in other parts of the globe, the world indigenous day was widely observed by various organisations in Manipur under the theme “Bridging the gap: implementing rights of indigenous people”.
Organised by the Joint committee on Inner Line Permit system, the day was observed at Thangmeiband Thau ground wherein Th. Iboyaima, father of social worker, RV Mingthing former Minister, Prof Abdul Hakim secretary Manipur state Minority commission, Mrs. Rose Mangsi Haokip, President Kuki women Union, Manipur and H. Ibotombi Khuman, Convenor JCILP as presidium members.
The students’ wing of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), Manipur organized a mass cycle rally from Thau ground to mark the occasion.
When the cycle rally reached Tiddim Ground area, the rallyists were blocked by security personnel and made them to divert their route.
Addressing the gathering, UCM president Y. Nabachandra said that implementing ILP system in Manipur is the only way to check out huge influx of migrants with threatening the identity of the minority indigenous people in the state. After couple of decades, the indigenous people in the state would certainly face the same fate as the Tripuris.
With the Politicians in the state lacking commitment, being not concerned over the languishing identity of the indigenous populace due to unrestrained influx of migrants, people concerned for their identity voluntarily launched various agitations against the government, Nabachandra said and added that government of India having a hidden agenda is unwilling to fulfill the rightful ILP demand.
Just waiting for Centre’s approval on ILP will not bear fruit. ILP can be implemented through own state legislation. Our MLAs, howoever, are gutless to work in pursuance of public sentiment, he said while appealing the people to keep agitating until ILP demand is fulfilled.
Advocate Angomcha Araba said that the indigenous tribal population in Manipur has been outnumbered by non-Manipuris. After a decade, the majority Meetei population would be dominated by migrants if the influx of migrants is checked under a system like ILP.
