Committee formed to study ILP introduction

IMPHAL, Aug 8 – A 13-member committee has been formed with Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as its chairman to look into the possibility of formulating a legislation for the protection of the interests of the indigenous people in Manipur.

The committee was formed during a all political parties meeting convened by the State Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh here yesterday, sources said.

The meeting which was held in the CM’s Secretariat was attended by 31 leaders of various political parties including Trinamool Congress, CPI, CPM, Janata Dal-United, NCP, All India Forward Bloc, Revolutionary Socialist Party, CPI (ML), Bahujan Samajwadi Party, Manipur Democratic People’s Front, Lok Janasakti Party, Janata Dal (Secular), Manipur People’s Party, Aam Aadmi Party and BJP.

However, leaders of the Nagaland-based Naga People’s Front which has four legislators in the Manipur Assembly, were conspicuous by their absence, which also decided to have another meeting on August 9 at the official residence of Deputy CM Gaikhangam. Legal experts will also join the said meeting.

Wednesday’s meeting resolved that a discussion will be held so that representatives of the Joint Co-ordination Committee on ILP System (ILPS) can be part of the team which would be deputed to New Delhi after the ongoing Parliament session to press the Centre for re-introduction of the ILP in Manipur.

Meanwhile, the BJP, Manipur Pradesh spokesperson RK Shivachandra on Thursday said that the BJP strongly condemned the police action on students and womenfolk during ILP agitation in the State.

He also demanded immediate release of the 27-28 arrested students and women without any condition if the government has sincerity on the issue of ILPS.