IMPHAL, July 6 � The demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Manipur is gaining momentum with the advisor of Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies (FREINDS) launching a fast unto death agitation here today.
KB Sharma, advisor of FREINDS and theatre artiste is observing the hunger strike on the demand for introduction of ILP in Manipur.
The protest has been taken up to enable the future generations to protect the identity of the people of Manipur and to maintain the rule of law, Sharma told journalists at the spot where he is undertaking the strike.
He said he does not want the future generation of the State to face the same situation like in Tripura whose identity is now completely lost due to mass influx of migrants.
Sharma said he will continue the protest until and unless the State Government implements the ILP system in the State.
Sit-in-protests are being held in most parts of the State capital Imphal for the last several days demanding for implementation of ILP system in Manipur.
According to the 2001 census report, there were more than 7,00,000 migrants in Manipur, which is much more than the tribal population of the State. It is high time for the government to recognise the danger, cautioned KB Sharma.
He urged the government that the ILP system is passed as an Act in the coming monsoon session of the State Assembly so as to save the indigenous people of the State from being minorities in their own land.
