IMPHAL, July 17 - Trouble-torn State capital of Manipur is slowly returning to normalcy in view of the Id-ul-Fitr and Kang (Rath-jatra) festivals on Saturday. The State celebrates Kang, an annual festival for nine days.
On Friday, the city witnessed traffic jams at important junctions as the people thronged the markets for last minute shopping for the Id festival of the Muslims as the district authorities relaxed curfew for 13 hours from 5am today in greater Imphal area.
The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) which spearheaded the public protest has appealed to all not to call any general strike or bandh till July 19 in view of Id-ul-fitr and Rath jatra festivals.
However, in a press release it appealed to the public to continue democratic forms of agitation.
Stating that the State Government�s move to introduce a new (visitors� regulation or Inner Line Permit) Bill within three months is not a right decision, JCILPS said it is unable to believe that the government will bring out a new bill within the stipulated time. If the government has the 'political will, it should not take 4/5 days, it added. The said bill can be sent for Governor�s assent after framing the draft within 2/3 days time, it claimed.
JCILPS also appealed to the supporters of the ongoing agitation to exempt the essential services from the purview of the agitation.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has started to consult legal experts, editors of local dailies and others in order to prepare a new visitors� regulation bill within one month�s time.
