- The Manipur People’s Protection Bill, 2018 seeks to regulate the entry and exit of “outsiders” on the lines of the British-era inner-line permit system prevalent in three other north-eastern states: Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.
- The bill sets 1951 as the base year to identify locals and prevent an influx of outsiders.
- According to the bill, Manipur people include Meitis, the Pangal Muslims, scheduled tribes as listed under the Constitution in terms of Manipur and all those citizens of India who have been living in Manipur before 1951.
- The rest have been put in the category of Non-Manipuris and will have to register themselves within one month of the notification of the law.
- Many people from the Kuki-Zomi groups are believed to have migrated from adjoining Myanmar before and after 1951.
- Trade licences can get a pass extendable up to five years, which will have to be renewed every year. Any outsider visiting Manipur would need a pass.
About Inner Line Permit (ILP)
- Inner Line Permit (ILP) is an official travel document issued by the Government of India to allow inward travel of an Indian citizen into a protected area for a limited period.
- It is obligatory for Indian citizens from outside those states to obtain a permit for entering into the protected state.
- Currently, it is operational in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.
- It can be issued for travel purposes solely. Visitors are not allowed to purchase property in these regions. However, there might be a different set of rules for long-term visitors, though they are not valid for central government employees and security forces.
