Ukhrul: Chief Minister N Biren Singh attended the celebration of 5 Years of implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in Manipur, with an interactive session with beneficiaries of “CMESS- Special Package to Startups/ Entrepreneurs for Employment of IDPs” under Manipur Startup Scheme 2.0 at the City Convention Centre, Imphal today.
Speaking as Chief Guest, N Biren Singh informed that Manipur is the first State in the country to extend Inner Line Permit System post-independence. ILP was implemented in the three states viz. Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh which have nearly 90 percent of their population belonging to tribal communities.
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However, Manipur having nearly 40percent of their population belonging to tribal communities, ILP system was extended by the NDA government led by Narendra Modi after critically assessing the uniqueness and peculiarity of our civilisation, culture, tradition etc. on 9th December, 2019. Several states like Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim etc are demanding for implementation of ILP, he added.
He expressed his gratitude to the Central government led by Narendra Modi and other central leaders such as Amit Shah and others for implementation of ILP in the State. The Chief Minister also acknowledged the struggle of the people of both hill and valley, CSOs, student organisations etc for implementation of ILP.
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N. Biren Singh highlighted that after much hue and cry, Manipur was granted Statehood in 1972. He informed that the extension of ILP in the State on 9th December, 2019 was the biggest positive gift by the Centre under the visionary leadership of Narendra Modi to protect and save indigenous population of the State.
Speaking about the reports regarding abuse and discrimination against Myanmar refugees in the State, N. Biren Singh clarified that there are no reports or records on hostility and discrimination against illegal immigrants in detention centers or temporary shelters. He further stated that the State government has been providing temporary shelter, food, medicines, etc., to the refugees/illegal immigrants. Biometrics of all illegal immigrants has also been captured, he added. He also mentioned that ILP is applicable only to Indian citizens, not to foreigners. Under The Foreigners Act, the SPs are designated as FROs and have the powers to detect and deport suspected foreigners.
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N. Biren Singh further said that the government has been making continuous efforts towards restoration of peace and normalcy in the State. He added that he made several efforts towards peace, including meeting various leaders or representatives of different communities, including Thadou and Hmar, and expressing willingness to end the crisis. Peace agreements between communities were signed on several occasions. However, he maintained that some vested interests are trying to sabotage the peace efforts. The Chief Minister said that if we are united, we can end the crisis.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also led others in paying floral tribute to Lamjing Meira Sapam Robinhood as part of the program. He also felicitated representatives of CSOs, student organizations, and others who took a proactive role in demanding the implementation of ILP in the State.
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The program was attended by the Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, the Chief Secretary of Manipur, Administrative Officers, staff of the Home & Planning department, and (IDPs) from various relief camps, among others.
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