The agitation spearheaded by the JCILPS demanding the implementation of ILPS in Manipur continues today with no sign of let up. Educational institutions remain closed despite plans for private educational institutes to reopen from 20th of July. Markets and other public places witness a sharp decline in footfalls and most of the offices also wore a deserted look. It may be mentioned that Kh. Ratan, Convenor of JCILPS, in a conversation with Imphal Times yesterday expressed its stand of not backing out of its stand of continuing the agitation until an acceptable ILP System to ensure the protection of the interests of the indigenous people of the state has been introduced. Supporters of JCILPS blocked the Dinku Road road at Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai by piling up huge logs and branches on the road. Eminent personalities associated with fashion and modeling also staged a sit-in-protest under the banner of Manipur Fashion Society at Usha Hall complex, Paona Bazar.
Women vendors of Khurai Lamlong Bazar also convened a meeting at the market shed demanding the implementation of ILP and punishment of the police personnel responsible for the death of Sapam Robinhood. It was also revealed that the women vendors, on receiving an unconfirmed report of a possible attempt by the state government to forcibly deliver the dead body of Robinhood to his family, have been keeping vigil for any untoward incident since early morning. The women vendors also resolved to open the market only till 11 in the morning until the JAC of Robinhood reaches an agreement with the state government. Members of All Manipur Inter State Bus Association also staged a sit-in-protest at North AOC inter-state ticket counter. Talking to our correspondent, Mongjam Bimol, Secretary of the Association expressed their stand of supporting the demand of JCILPS and for punishing the persons responsible for Robinhood’s death. He further stated that the association will take recourse to other means such as stopping inter-state passenger service if the government does not accept their demand. A sit-in-protest was also staged jointly by Grace Colony Meira Paibi and Club, Auto Drivers’ Association supporting the JCILPS. The protestors questioned the inability of the state government to implement the ILP when it is already being implemented in Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal, demanding resignation of the state government on moral ground.
