Critically analyse the issue of imposition of Inner Line Permit system in India’s northeastern states and the dilemma this system has posed to the Indian government. (200 Words)
This system define “insiders” and “outsiders” to protect from encroachment of land and resources by immigrants both Indians and from Nepal and Bangladesh.
Valleys –> Meitei (9% area and ~ 60% population)
Hills –> Kuki and Naga along with other tribes
Basic reason for enacting these acts is numerical strength and growth of outsiders. Meitei fear socio cultural and economic domination by outsiders as a result of large scale migration, especially after extension of railway lines, trans-Asian highways and the expansion of market corridors towards SE Asia
Also worried about land needed for hydro-electricity projects, mining and oil exploration at the cost of people and ecology.
Three bills passed:
(1). Protection of Manipur People Bills 2015, which has fixed 1951 as base year to detect outsiders
(2). Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Amendment Bill 2015
(3). Manipur Shops and Establishment Bill 2015
Many tribal are unlisted and they fear they might be clubbed into outsiders via 1951 criteria hence loosing there land rights.
Assembly did not consult with hill area committees before passing or drafting legislations. Hence opposition.
Also, pro and opposition groups have not approached each other for conflict resolution.
Some tribal want current unrest to push for inclusion in Schedule VI areas. Naga Peace Accord also has linkages with protests as Nagas of nearby region are supporting Kukis.