Government will react in a befitting manner on enforcement of ILP: Ibobi

IMPHAL, May 22: Stating that there is no difference of opinion between the State Government and the Joint Committee on ILPS (JCILPS) on enforcement of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur, Chief Minister O Ibobi has cautioned that the Government would react in a befitting manner if any action is taken against non-Manipuris, but bonafide Indian citizens, living in the State.

Speaking to media persons after the Anti-Terrorism observance at Congress Bhavan on Tuesday, the Chief Minister reminded that both the State Assembly and the Cabinet have endorsed the demand for implementation of ILPS in Manipur and the same resolution was forwarded to New Delhi.
As such, the ball is now in the court of Government of India.

The press meet was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, MPs, Ministers and MLAs.
Ibobi maintained that he has been urging the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister to reinforce ILPS in Manipur every time he called on them.

The Government has no objection in identifying and deporting foreigners back to their home countries. The joint committee and the Government can work together in this regard, Ibobi stated.

But preventing all non-Manipuris, but bonafide citizens of India, from entering Manipur is anti-national perse. The Chief Minister also appealed to all the people to refrain from any such anti-national act.

The State Government is always prepared if the people wish to send an all-party delegation to New Delhi and exert pressure on the Government of India or meet BJP, CPI/CPM leaders on the same demand.
If any anti-national act is responded by a similar act, who would take responsibility for the large number of Manipuri people staying in different parts of India, Ibobi asked.

The Government would never remain silent if any one commits any anti-national act.

To a query put up by reporters on the State Assembly’s and Cabinet’s proposal sent to the Centre for re-introduction of ILPS in Manipur, the Chief Minister replied that the State Government has received acknowledgement of its proposal but the Centre has been studying the matter as it requires amendment of the Constitution.

Amendment of Constitution cannot be done by the ruling party alone. It requires support of all political parties.

With regard to the removal of Jawaharlal Nehru’s statue from Kangla western gate, Ibobi clarified that the statue would be re-enacted inside the premises of Congress Bhavan considering the appropriateness of the new site.

The Chief Minister further declared that a six-lane highway bypass from Sekmai to Imphal airport would be constructed in place of the earlier proposed route through Imphal East in order to reduce traffic congestion in Imphal city.

Residents of Kabo Leikai could not produce pattas for the land occupied by them even after they were asked to produce the documents before they were evicted.
Even as they were occupying Government land, they were given Rs 9 crores in compensation for their standing properties on humanitarian ground.
As for the model of running Hotel Imphal which would be upgraded to the status of a five star hotel, the Government would take a decision soon.
The Chief Minister also noted that people have been enduring several inconveniences due to absence of decent and modern hotels at Imphal.
Regarding the KSO’s assertion that there is a backlog of 474 posts of Police Constables for ST candidates, Ibobi stated that the matter is being checked by the DGP.
Assuring that due share and rights of ST candidates would not be forfeited in any manner, Ibobi appealed to all concerned not to impose any bandh or blockade.