The Indigenous People’s Association Kangleipak on Wednesday appealed to the Manipur government to repeal its order for resuming issuance of Inner Line Permit (ILP) from July 21 for the welfare of the indigenous people of the state.
The association claimed that the state government’s decision to resume issuance of Inner Line Permit pass from July 21 will be a factor for further spread of COVID-19 in the state. IPAK also claimed that the entry of non-locals in the state after issuance of ILP can create community transmission of COVID-19 in the state.
A release issued by secretary general, IPAK, Leishangthem Romen Meitei stated that the ILP system was introduced to protect the indigenous populace of the state. However, it is unfortunate to learn that the state government is trying to use it as a tool to generate revenue by resuming ILP amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing in India and it stands in the top 3 amongst the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the world, it stated. In such a situation, resuming the issuance of ILP in the state may result in the widespread of COVID-19 in the State, it added.
Local transmissions of COVID-19 have started in Jiribam and Thoubal district where the deputy commissioner of the Thoubal district has ordered closure of all the markets in the district. Even OPD of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) has been closed after a staff tested positive and there are reports that state police and central have also been tested positive, the release added.
