Problem with the new draft bill
The Government of Manipur has invited comments on the draft of the proposed 'Manipur Regulation of Non-Local People Bill 2016' on or before the 24th August 2016. This draft is a mix of the then 'The Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill 2015' (which was passed by Manipur Legislative Assembly in 2015 but subsequently withdrawn) and the 'The Protection of Manipur Bill 2015' which was rightfully rejected by the President of India. The new draft Bill has nothing new to offer except some new terminology and the date and basis for determining who could be included as 'Local People'. Interestingly, the Bill is silent on the illegal influx from other countries. Further, the absence of any demarcation between the hills and valley in the Bill is nothing but an attempt to impose a common law in the Hills and Valley (placing Tribals and Non Tribals under the same is against the Indian Constitution) which will subsequently be extended in all legislation, thereby undermining the rights and identity of the tribals.
The changes are too little and too simplistic and does not resolve the contentious issues that provoke widespread protest not only in the state but all over the country. Till the underlying issues that sparked off the widespread unrest are addressed and justice for the nine tribal lives are met, an attempt to introduce the half baked Bill will most likely generate more problem than solve the present impasse.
The Government of Manipur has invited comments on the draft of the proposed 'Manipur Regulation of Non-Local People Bill 2016' on or before the 24th August 2016. This draft is a mix of the then 'The Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers Bill 2015' (which was passed by Manipur Legislative Assembly in 2015 but subsequently withdrawn) and the 'The Protection of Manipur Bill 2015' which was rightfully rejected by the President of India. The new draft Bill has nothing new to offer except some new terminology and the date and basis for determining who could be included as 'Local People'. Interestingly, the Bill is silent on the illegal influx from other countries. Further, the absence of any demarcation between the hills and valley in the Bill is nothing but an attempt to impose a common law in the Hills and Valley (placing Tribals and Non Tribals under the same is against the Indian Constitution) which will subsequently be extended in all legislation, thereby undermining the rights and identity of the tribals.
The changes are too little and too simplistic and does not resolve the contentious issues that provoke widespread protest not only in the state but all over the country. Till the underlying issues that sparked off the widespread unrest are addressed and justice for the nine tribal lives are met, an attempt to introduce the half baked Bill will most likely generate more problem than solve the present impasse.
jessica@mail.postmanllc.net
ReplyDeleteThe changes are too little and too simplistic and does not resolve the contentious issues that provoke widespread protest not only in the state but all over the country.
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