Imphal, March 28: Manipur capital Imphal turned into a virtual battlefield on Tuesday following clashes between the protesters and the police after thousands of women, students and youths organised protest rallies and demonstrations against state government’s alleged “delaying tactics” in implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in the state, and setting up Manipur State Population Commission.
As many as six influential student organisations, supported by hundreds of women vendors of the “Ima Market” (all women market) and members of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) took out a rally towards the Chief Minister’s official bungalow.
However, massive police deployment prevented the protestors from moving towards the Chief Minister’s bungalow, leading to clashes in which many were injured on both sides.
After hours of clashes, arguments and chaos, Manipur police said that the situation is now under control.
The students of the six organisations led by Manipur Students’ Federation assembled first in front of the Ima market in Imphal and then started a rally with the support of many women traders. The protestors demonstrated holding placards that read: “protect indigenous rights and future”, “save forests, save environment”.
The students’ organisation, COCOMI and the Imas (women or mothers) of the all women market announced to continue their protests demanding steps be taken by the Manipur government to tackle illegal migration, implementation of the NRC and population commission in Manipur.
Spokesperson of six student bodies Salam Upen said that their efforts for protection and preservation of the indigenous people would continue until and unless their demands are met.
An elderly Ima, Thoibi Devi, said if the Manipur government fails to implement the NRC to protect the indigenous people, all 60 legislators of Manipur should resign from the Assembly.
According to the agitators, the influx of outsiders from both inside and outside the country, including people from Myanmar, Nepal, and Bangladesh, has significantly affected the identity, culture, economy, administration and environment of Manipur.
The students’ organisations also demanded detecting and deporting illegal immigrants from Manipur. “We are not against any community or religion but we want to protect our land, environment, and indigenous communities from the adverse effects of illegal settlements,” said a spokesperson for the student bodies.
After the Manipur Assembly had last year adopted a private member resolution to establish a population commission in Manipur, the state cabinet approved the establishment of the Manipur State Population Commission. However, the required official process is yet to start for the functioning of the commission.
The Central government on December 11, 2019 introduced the Inner Line Permit system to strictly monitor the movement of outsiders in the state and to protect the interest of the indigenous people.
The ILP under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, is an official travel document that allows an Indian citizen to visit the states where ILP is enforced for a limited period of time and with a specific purpose.
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