Imphal, July 9: Delegates of All-Political Party held a meeting with the Chief Minister today at Chief Minister’s Secretariat with CM in the chair to discuss an alternative to the much contested and controversial Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill 2015. The consultative meeting was held after the Chief Minister extended an invitation to the All Political Party on April 4 to discuss on the matter. Proposal for drafting a new Bill- ‘Protection of local People of Manipur Bill 2016’ was put up with the base year proposed to be changed to January 1972 from the earlier base year of 1951 which drew opposition from a few delegates. Chief Minister O Ibobi who is also the Chairman of the Drafting Committee stated that the new proposed Bill will be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Assembly session and will be put up for further modifications by constitutional experts before the presentation. It was also stated that the draft bill will be presented to the JCILPS and Joint Action Committee against Anti-Tribal Bill (JACATB) for deliberation and discussion as also with other stake holders before a final version is drawn up. It may be recalled that JCILPS have earlier issued a statement that the body will submit a new ILP related Bill which is yet to be finalized as of the moment. The delegates of the All Political Party also urged the Chief Minister to bring the protracted issue to a meaningful and rational conclusion at the earliest so that the state and the people can return to a normal life. Delegates of a regional party categorically stated during the meeting that the new draft will meet the same fate as the earlier one as it is absolutely certain that the President will not give assent to the new drafted Bill as well. Meanwhile, it is learnt from reliable sources that the JACATB has convened a meeting today to discuss the developments regarding the much contested Bill.
