MLA N Biren today mooted traditional laws as the only means to safeguard the indigenous people of the state. Speaking during the calendar release function of Indigenous Peoples’ Association of Kangleipak (IPAK), MLA Biren said that traditional laws which was once followed by our ancestors to prohibit outsiders from settling in the locality without prior permissions as well as local restrictions against the use of illicit intoxicants need to be imposed in each communities of the state to safeguard the indigenous people. He further said that even though some of the MLA does want to do something good for the state they are helpless as numbers count in democratic form of government.
“One MLA can do nothing in the government if other MLAs don’t support”, lamented the MLA.
MLA Ng. Bijoy who graced the function as Chief Guest also stressed on the need for a legislation like land bank policy for the valley region of the state. He said if land at Hill area cannot be sold to valley people and on the other hand if the valley areas are free for any buyer then the government need to adopt a policy like land banking policy. Elaborating on how it will work the MLA said that for each buying of land at valley by hill people government should acquire similar area in hills and allowed valley people to settle at the place.
On the issue of the Inner line permit system, Bijoy said that not every Manipuri seems to have understood about the need for ILPS in the state. He appealed the intellectuals of the state to study if such laws are the needs of the hour or not.
