Concern with Govt's reliance only on electronic means
August 24, 2016.
The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRAM), an indigenous
peoples’ organization promoting sustainable development and human
rights of indigenous peoples of Manipur would like to urge upon the Government of Manipur to undertake a comprehensive approach to ensure
the rightful participation of all indigenous peoples of Manipur in
formulating a policy or a Bill towards protecting the rights of
Indigenous peoples of Manipur and in regulating the entry or exit of
non-indigenous populations in Manipur.
CRAM expresses concern with the Government’s reliance only on
electronic means of receiving comments for the new proposed policy,
the Manipur Regulation of Non – Local people Act, 2016 and it will not
prove an effective measure for ensuring full participation of the
indigenous communities of Manipur. It is also extremely important to
insist on other means and ways to seek wider inputs of peoples.
Moreover, Internet is inaccessible in interior areas of Manipur.
The preparation of the bill must undertake mandatory consultations
with the leaders and representatives of the different indigenous
community, from legal fraternity, intellectuals, village authorities
and others concerned to protect and defend the land and rights of the
indigenous peoples in Manipur.
The Government should organize
consultations at district headquarters, with representatives of all
community representatives and leaders, which we believe, will
enormously facilitate in seeking meaningful comments based on the wish
and aspirations of communities. The need for a wider consultation and
involvement of indigenous communities in policy framing is critical
for a multi-ethnic community like Manipur, with myriad wishes and
aspirations.
CRAM would also like to affirm importance of assessing the key
causative factors and reasons of massive influx of non indigenous
population in Manipur and also to respond to such factors.
Introduction of mega-dams, oil exploration, mining, tourism, railways,
road projects and others infrastructure in the state will also
contribute in disturbing the indigenous demography in the state, as
non-indigenous peoples are relied for such massive development works.
Promoting indigenous peoples Rights over their land and resources and
seeking their free, prior and informed consent before any forms of
land alienation for development or other purposes, would be crucial
for protection of indigenous peoples over their land in Manipur.
The
United Nation’s Declaration on rights of the indigenous people, 2007
also highlights the inevitable need for the indigenous people’s
participation in decision making process with regard to the policies
that would impact their land and resources. CRAM would like to urge
the Government of Manipur to respect and honour the views of
indigenous communities and to ensure that the new policy for
protection of indigenous peoples is framed with their rightful
participation and consent. A participatory process in governance and
policy formulations can indeed contribute in fostering long term peace
and stability in Manipur.
Sincerely Yours,
Sanaton Laishram
President
Centre For Research And Advocacy, Manipur (CRAM)
Sega Road Hodam Leirak, Imphal, Manipur - 795001, India
Website: www.cramanipur.org
* This Press Release was sent to e-pao.net by Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRAM) who can be contated at cra(DOT)manipur(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This Press Release was posted on August 25 2016
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