Government committed to protect native people: Biren

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, January 6, 2020: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh said the government is committed to protect the indigenous population of Manipur.

Biren was addressing at the 45th Foundation Day of the Manipur Press Club held at its complex at Majorkhul Imphal on Monday.

There is a provision in the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system that gives the state government an inherent power to relax any of the guidelines at its discretion, the chief minister said. It also provides a power to any doubt or issues not addressed in the guidelines be vested with the home department whose decision shall be final, he added.

He said the registration counters for providing ILP to non-locals have been opened at various areas and police stations. Various camps will be organised in hill districts of the state soon. Computerized registration system for ILP system would be introduced soon to overcome any hassle, he added.

He said his government welcomes any positive suggestion and advice from the people for proper implementation of ILP system in the state.

Biren appealed to the civil societies not to indulge in the implementation process of the system rather they should inform the government authorities or law enforcing agencies like police for smooth implementation of the system. He urged the people to extend their support and cooperation for smooth implementation of the ILP system in the state.

Highlighting the genealogy of the ILP system in the North-Eastern states, Biren said unlike previous governments, the present Central government has transformed the dreams into reality of the people of Manipur by extending ILP system in the state.

Addressing various issues faced the media fraternity, chief minister mentioned that journalists, newspaper hawkers are covered under CHMT scheme and the State Cabinet has also approved to increase the pension amount from Rs 4000  to Rs 8000 per month for retired journalists of the state.

Minister for Information and public relations, Th. Biswajit said media being the fourth pillar of democracy has the responsibility to act as a watchdog to protect public interests against injustice, unfairness and corruption in our society, he added.

The chief minister launched the official website of All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU) www.amwju.org and also released a Souvenir. Former secretaries of Manipur Press Club were also felicitated on the occasion.

Member of Parliament Dr. R.K. Ranjan, IPR director H. Balkrisna, Editors Guild president Khogendra Khomdram, AMWJU president Bijoy Kakchingtabam, members of Manipur Press Club and others attended the function.