Manipur goes without newspapers

Imphal, Aug 7 : Newspapers were not published in Manipur on Thursday in view of a 48-hour shutdown called in support of an inner line permit (ILP) system for the state.

The ILP is a special pass or permit required to enter the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram.

It originated during the British rule and is now essentially used as a mechanism to safeguard tribal people and culture from outsiders.

"The media fraternity in Manipur regrets to announce non-publication of daily news and electronic media on August 6 due to the intense nature of the bandh," said a statement by the Editors Guild of Manipur and the All Manipur Working Journalists Union (AMWJU).

The protest was called by the student wing of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System.

"The decision was arrived at after a meeting of editors and members of the AMWJU," it said.

It said journalists and non-journalists could not reach the press. Similarly, reporters and cameramen could not gather news.

The 48-hour shutdown began at 6 p.m. Tuesday after police cracked down on students demanding an ILP system the previous day.

The demand for an ILP to check the unregulated entry of non-Manipuris into the state -- mostly in the Meitei-dominated Imphal valley -- has been simmering since the 2011 census came out.

According to figures, of the over 2.7 million population in Manipur, one million have their roots outside the state.