Imphal: The Manipur Cabinet is likely to discuss the issue of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system on Wednesday.
A mass movement is going on in Manipur demanding introduction of ILP as the population of indigenous settlers of the state is threatened to be swallowed by immigrants.
Sources said the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has objected to reintroduction of Inner Line Permit system in Manipur. Ministry officials informed that the ILP is a Central Act and the state government cannot take a decision on the matter.
The Congress Legislature Party also discussed the matter last evening presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh.
Sit-in protests were held on Tuesday in different parts of the state by students bodies, NGOs and Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FRIENDS).
A spokesman of the Federation of Regional Indigenous Society (FRIENDS) which has been steering for implementation of the ILPS in Manipur for past several months said FRIENDS would continue their stir till demand was fulfilled.
He said labourers, daily wage earners and businessmen who have entered Manipur in the past some decades have outnumbered the total population of tribes in state’s hill districts.
Kakchingtabam Birahari Sharma, who started a fast-to-death on July 6 and now in hospital, has reportedly refused to take any life-support system, sources said, adding his health is deteriorating.
FRIENDS said according to the 2001 census report, the influx from other parts of the country and neighbouring countries have reached seven lakh which is equivalent to the population of the majority Meitei community.
It surpasses population of the indigenous tribal population. If the 2011 census is known the numbers of outsiders may have surpassed the numbers of original settlers, FRIENDS further said. There is massive influx of people from other states, neighbouring countries into Manipur.
A protestor said the situation is different in the northeast as the original settlers in Tripura have become a minority community without any say in political affairs in their own home.
Likewise, continual influx of people has threatened the settlers of Manipur, pointed out by the federation. In other northeastern states except Manipur and Assam, there is restriction on entry and settlement of outsiders. (UNI)
