IMPHAL, July 9 - A meeting of all political parties here on Saturday discussed a new Bill to protect and preserve the indigenous people of Manipur.
The meeting chaired by Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh was attended by all political parties in the State excluding Naga People�s Front and National People�s Party. The meeting discussed the new draft Bill �Protection of Local People of Manipur 2016�, a reliable source said.
The meeting also discussed about the cut off year, the source claimed. It resolved to consult constitutional experts for their comments and examination of the new draft before its finalisation, he added.
After the previous Bill �Protection of Manipur People Bill 2015� passed by Manipur Assembly on August 31 last year, was not given assent by President of India, a meeting of all political parties held on June 25 last decided to draft a new Bill for protection of the indigenous people of Manipur after consulting all stakeholders in the hills and the valley. The new Bill may be introduced in the next session of the Manipur Assembly.
The move of holding an all political parties meeting was initiated following widespread public outcry spearheaded by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) which had been demanding introduction of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur to protect the interests of the local people.
