Manipur CM Highlights Importance of Inner Line Permit for Protection of Indigenous Culture

IMPHAL: Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday reiterated the importance of the ILP system in the preservation of the indigenous culture, traditions, and civilization of the state on the completion of five years of implementing the Inner Line Permit system in Manipur. The ILP, which was initially conceptualized under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation of 1873, was embraced by the NDA government on December 9, 2019, and made Manipur the first state in India to opt for the ILP system after independence.

In his address at a celebratory function, Singh underlined that ILP was of utmost importance to protect the interest of the indigenous people, as almost 40% of Manipur's population comprises tribal communities. He also highlighted the fact that states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Sikkim are now demanding the implementation of ILP to protect their indigenous cultures.

Singh thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for the support, as he appreciated the service of civil society organizations and student bodies along with other hill and valley people which actually worked as a backbone behind achieving the system for their state.

Singh responded to worries about alleged prejudice against refugees from Myanmar by saying that no such instances had been documented. While collecting the biometrics of undocumented immigrants in accordance with official protocols, he reassured that the state government was also offering food, housing, and medical assistance to refugees. The chief minister reaffirmed the government's continuous efforts to bring peace and security back to the state and underlined that the ILP only applies to Indian people.

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