IMPHAL, June 3 - A 13-member State level drafting committee on the Bill for Protection of Manipuri People has been formed on May 23, according to Manipur Works Minister Th Biswajit, who is the convenor of the committee.
Stating that the initiative of the government is to introduce the Inner Line Permit (ILP) Bill in the forthcoming Monsoon session of State Assembly, Biswajit, who is also the spokesperson of the government said the first sitting of the drafting committee will be held within shortly so that the consultative meeting with the concerned stakeholders could be held.
Speaking to reporters here, the Minister told reporters that the State Government is taking various steps to protect the interest of the Manipuri people.
Manipur Assembly had passed three bills in this connection in 2015 but the President did not give assent to one bill even as the tribal groups in Churachandpur district had objected to the bills.
Meanwhile, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) which had been spearheading the movement for the implementation of ILP in the State to protect the interest of the indigenous people, has renewed the demand for the introduction of the Bill.
Considering the prevailing situation, the Minister has appealed to any individual entering the State to carry authentic identity cards with them. Rebutting claims that outsiders are not allowed entry into the State, he clarified that there is no restriction against any citizen of the country from entering the State.
