Discussion on “Of Inner Lines and Permits - How to Protect the Indigenous?”

Our Correspondent

NEW DELHI, AUG 13, 2015: The Centre for North East Studies and Policy Research of Jamia Millia Islamia University conducted a panel discussion on: “Of Inner Lines and Permits - How to Protect the Indigenous?” here in CNESPR Conference Room in India-Arab Cultural Centre on Wednesday.

 

Prof Samir Kumar Das, Professor of Political Science, University of Calcutta, Dr Bimol Akoijam, Associate Professor, Centre for the Study of Social Systems, JNU, Dr Athikho Kaisii, Assistant Professor, Centre for Culture Media & Governance, JMI,  and Kishalay Bhattacharjee, Senior Journalist gave speech on the theme.  The discussion was chaired by Prof Sanjoy Hazarika, Director, CNESPR.

 

Like migration from across the international border, migration from other parts of the country has also been a major issue for local communities in various states of the North-eastern Region (NER). These include in-migrant groups which are small, medium in size and large from different parts of the country. There is no accurate measure of their population.

 

It is also to be noted that many families and individuals who have settled in these states and made their home there, have adopted local cultures and language, and contributed significantly to traditions, literature and the economy.

 

Under Article 19 of the Constitution, every Indian has the right to move freely and reside in any part of the country – barring Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram etc.

 

Communities in parts of the region have not been receptive to extensive immigration concerned about control over financial and commercial activities, in cities and small towns and villages. Poor migrants also work in labour-intensive or unattractive jobs which local workers are reluctant to perform. They are also agricultural workers, domestic helpers, cleaners, fruit sellers and daily wagers, playing a significant role in the host society. There are concerns about being outnumbered in various places should migration continue unchecked from other parts of the country.

Yet, it is to be also noted that a visible trend of reverse out-migration has emerged in the past decades, with large numbers from the North-eastern states moving to the more prosperous states and cities. This has been seen in the National Capital Region, Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai as well as Chandigarh and Jaipur, reflecting dissatisfaction with local educational, and security conditions.

 

Manipur is deeply concerned with immigration from the larger states of India. Several organisations have demanded appropriate legislative safeguards to protect the rights of local communities including the implementation of the Inner-Line Permit under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873. It was first applied to the districts of Kamrup, Darrang, Nowgong, Sibsagar, Lakhimpur (Garo Hills), Khasi and Jaintia Hills, Naga Hills and Cachar in November 1873 to prohibit “all [citizens of India or any class of such citizens] or any persons residing in or passing through such districts from going from beyond such line without a pass under the hand and seal of the chief executive officer of such district or of such other officer as he may authorize to grant such pass; and the [State Government] may, from time to time, cancel or vary such prohibition.”

The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, the organisation spearheading the campaign in Manipur, has noted that the need for it arises to “save the identity, culture, tradition and existence of indigenous Manipuri people, considering the unchecked influx of outsiders." As they began to intensify their movement, the state Legislative Assembly passed the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill, 2015 in March 2015 to register all visitors, tenants and migrant workers by a government agency. The Bill was withdrawn after public rejection and intensification of the pro-ILP agitation.

*Pic: Bruce K. Thangkhal

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