For all practical purposes, the protracted struggle for implementation of the Inner Line Permit System in the state has so far managed to dig up more differences and discords amongst the myriad communities habiting the state, and this difference should not necessarily be treated as a restraint or stumbling block in the continuing effort to put into effect a fail-safe constitutional mechanism which can ensure the continuity and progress of the indigenous people of the state. And as far as the intent or objective of the struggle is to be considered, it is a foregone conclusion that the inhabitants or, to be more precise, the indigenous people has realized the need for such acts for protecting the age-old customs, traditions, religions and their way of life in the backdrop of the increasingly swelling number of migrant workers coming into the state. So why the resolute objection from many a quarters, especially from the tribal communities when the need for a law to safeguard the old way of life and everything representing the customs, culture and traditions has been established beyond any shred of doubt, not merely by conjecture but by experience and the increasingly suffocating and unfortunately transforming social scenario? And why is the state government trying to divert the whole issue which is threatening to burn down the whole state by repeatedly drawing up Bills all by itself which is bound to be rejected yet again? Is the possibility of bringing about a consensus, or at least a set of proposals which would be endorsed by a majority of the communities regarding the present matter non-existent? Why is there still no apparent effort by the state government to address the glaring trust deficit of almost every single one of its purported remedies and solutions both by tribals as well as the valley people? What is the interest of the state government for keeping a tensive social atmosphere and simmering discontent, fuelled by its reluctant reactions and dismissive attitude? And does anyone really care about what is actually happening on the streets? The agitations to implement the ILPS in Manipur, spearheaded by the JCILPS have taken an unfortunate undertone, with many volunteers and supporters of the agitation taking things in their own hands. The most inconvenienced and dismayed lot having to bear the brunt of such misplaced fervor being the journalists and media persons. Instances of over enthused supporters and volunteers preventing journalists from covering the events, and even being manhandled while on duty despite identifying themselves is nothing new. And for some inexplicable reason, such unfortunate incidents are still happening, which begs the very pertinent question: has the JCILPS lost its hold over the conduct and proceedings of the agitations? How are the journalists and media persons expected to cover and report the impact or effect of the agitations if the so-called volunteers and supporters still indulge in wanton acts of vandalism and adopt confrontational attitudes even after identifying themselves and producing relevant documents? It is high time the JCILPS sit up and keep a strict check on how the supporters and volunteers conduct themselves during the agitations. While such incidents might be dismissed as stray, few such unchecked occurrences might turn the tide against them.
