IT News
Imphal, Aug 20:
The People’s Alliance for Peace and Progress, Manipur (PAPPM), a social organization dedicated to fostering peace in the region, has accused Kuki illegal immigrants, allegedly supported by influential leaders, of orchestrating the ongoing violence in the state. In response to these concerns, PAPPM observed August 18, 2024, as a day dedicated to protecting indigenous people from illegal immigrants. This observance marks the anniversary of the violent attack on a peaceful rally in Moreh in 2015, and the organization has announced plans to observe this day annually to raise awareness about the ongoing threats faced by indigenous populations in Northeast India.
Tribal communities and indigenous peoples in the region regard the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system as essential for safeguarding their land, culture, and identity. The ILP restricts non-residents from entering certain areas, thereby helping to maintain the demographic and cultural integrity of these populations. In states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram, the ILP has been an effective tool in protecting the interests of these communities.
On December 11, 2019, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced in Parliament the implementation of the ILP system in Manipur, a move long demanded by many in the state. The demand for ILP has also been growing in Meghalaya, leading the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly to pass a resolution on December 19, 2019, urging the central government to extend ILP regulations to the state to safeguard the rights of its people.
However, the implementation of the ILP in Manipur has not been without controversy and violence. On August 18, 2015, a peaceful rally in Moreh calling for the ILP’s implementation was met with violent opposition. A group, allegedly comprising members of the Kuki community, attacked the rally participants with firearms, stones, and other weapons, resulting in injuries to several individuals and significant damage to properties owned by the Meitei community. Reports indicate that the Manipur Police did not intervene during the attack, allegedly due to orders from a high-ranking police officer from the Kuki community.
Further violence erupted on August 31, 2015, in Churachandpur following the passage of the Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015, along with amendments to existing laws. The unrest led to clashes between protesters and police, resulting in nine deaths and multiple injuries. The homes of prominent political figures, including the MP for Outer Manipur and several MLAs, were set on fire during the violence.
The Protection of Manipur People Bill aimed to define who qualifies as a Manipuri, with the cutoff set for those who had settled in the state before 1951. This provision has raised concerns among some members of the Kuki community, who fear that the ILP could expose and identify illegal immigrants who settled after the cutoff year.
