JCILPS supporters pull down 124 illegal migrant workers from interstate passenger buses

Imphal, July 21: Women activists and club members of Sekmai Nongthongbam area under Sekmai Police Station today pulled down 154 non local migrant workers who failed to provide valid documents for identification from interstate passenger buses coming towards Imphal along the Imphal-Dimapur road today.
Members of the Advance Women Society, Awang Sekmai Protection Committee and local club members of Sekmai Nongthombam conducted a verification drive of passengers of inter-state buses coming towards Imphal from 4 am to 11 am today under the supervision of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), which is spearheading an agitation for introduction of Inner Line Permit System in the state.
The migrant workers were handed over to Sekmai Police after thorough verification. Members of the women activists as well as representatives of the JCILPS while talking to media said that among the 124 non-local workers 80% of them do not possess any identification cards. 20% have Adhaar cards but not the cards provided by labour department required for working in the state, a representative of JCILPS added.
“They have been handed over to Sekmai Police for making proper arrangement of sending back to where they come from”, said Atur Rahman, Assistant Secretary of JCILPS.
The non locals were transported at 7 different interstate buses belonging to various tourist bus service providers including Siroy Tourist, Network travels, Jet Travels, North-East Transporters and Winger service.
“We appeal the transporters not to allow passengers who do not have proper valid identification cards and documents which is relevant with the propose of their visit in the state”, said Telheiba while thanking the kind of corporation provided by the Sekmai Police as well as the people of Sekmai.
Already the state is in frying pan with the demand for implementation of ILPS system to check illegal influx of migrant in the state followed by the series of protest driven by sentiments over the attitude of the government in trying to suppress the peoples’ movement by even declaring the former leader of the JCILPS as wanted man.
“We will intensify the drive as we are aware of the risk that the indigenous Manipuri People might faced in the coming days if these illegal non-local workers continue to stream in the state”, said Th. Amubi, Secretary of Advanced Women Society, Awang Sekmai.
On being inquired, it is being learnt that the non-locals were transported for utilizing as labour by Shyma Power India Private Limited – firm which is taking up various infrastructural development works at Thoubal district, NIT Langol and at St. Savio School, Moirang in Bishnupur District.
Co-convenor of JCILPS Arjun Telheiba while speaking to media said earlier too warning had been given to Shyma Powers India Private Limited to take proper valid documents from labour department if they intend to bring workers from outside the state. He appealed to understand the sentiment of the people to all concerns  by following proper procedures if they intent to hire workers from outside the state. Telheiba further said that the JCILPS will continue their drive to protect the indigenous people of the state.