From our Special Correpondent

IMPHAL, July 9: K Birahari, adviser to the Federation of Regional Indigenous Societies was arrested by police on Sunday afternoon. Birahari had launched a fast unto death demanding reintroduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Manipur. Although he was offered the option to apply for bail when produced before the deputy magistrate, Birahari flatly refused. The magistrate later sent him to judicial custody.

Talking to reporters, Birahari said that he would continue the fast within prison. He said he would not surrender till the goal is reached. Indications are that some other activists of the organization will also carry on the fast. Meanwhile, there is a growing support to the demand of the ILP with sit-ins organized at various parts of the State. The government on the other hand is looking for a delaying tactic saying it will have to seek permission from the Union government regarding re-introduction of Inner Line Permit. In this connection, C Upendra, a retired judge of district and sessions court said that such a permission is not needed. It is a right that every State can implement.

In the absence of any restriction, people from many parts of the country have been coming here for permanent settlement. They have usurped various jobs, monopolized business. However, instead of trying to re-introduce the ILP, the government has been trying to evade the issue.