IT News
Imphal, Dec 9:
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, during the celebration of the five-year milestone of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, praised the Modi-led central government for its efforts to safeguard the state’s indigenous population. He also discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at empowering internally displaced persons (IDPs) and highlighted the state’s progress in development and anti-drug campaigns.
“ILP is crucial for protecting our civilization, culture, and traditions,” N. Biren remarked, echoing Home Minister Amit Shah’s recognition of the system’s importance in Parliament. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of timely governance, emphasizing, “If we act promptly, people will not have to suffer.”
N. Biren Singh pointed out that before Manipur, only the states of Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh—areas with predominantly tribal populations—had ILP systems in place. He also noted that other states like Meghalaya and Assam have expressed interest in adopting the ILP. “Manipur is a special case. Despite having a 52% non-tribal population, the government acknowledged Manipur’s unique identity and successfully implemented this act,” he stated.
The Chief Minister extended his gratitude to the central government and encouraged citizens to consider their contributions to society before being critical of others. “ILP has ensured the safety of our indigenous people and generated approximately Rs. 13-14 crore in revenue since its introduction,” he added.
N. Biren further highlighted measures taken under Amit Shah’s guidance to strengthen Manipur’s borders. “The Home Minister approved biometric registration of illegal immigrants under the Indian Foreigner Act. Measures such as border fencing, the implementation of NRC, and the removal of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) are vital legal steps to secure the future of our people,” he noted, stressing that these initiatives were designed to prioritize the welfare of the indigenous communities.
Addressing the issues faced by IDPs due to the ongoing crisis, Biren affirmed, “Our top priority is to empower IDPs.” He added that the government had provided employment to around 300 IDPs under Manipur’s successful Start-Up Scheme for entrepreneurs.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to combating drug trafficking, the Chief Minister explained that the “War on Drugs” campaign aimed to protect the youth of the state. He acknowledged that actions against poppy cultivation had led to some challenges but assured that strict vigilance would continue to combat the drug menace.
Reflecting on the “Go to Hills” initiative, N. Biren stated that the program had addressed developmental disparities across the state. “Visible changes have occurred in hill districts like Tamenglong, Senapati, and Ukhrul. I believe Senapati may soon surpass Imphal in terms of development,” he concluded.
