'Martyrs' to be laid to rest on Nov 30 ; Boycott Sangai Fest : JAC
Source: The Sangai Express
CCpur, November 16 2015:
With the JAC against the alleged 'anti-tribal Bills' having adopted a decision to give the nine 'tribal martyrs' a befitting last rite within November following the Centre's written assurance on the three Bills, a closed door meeting of the tribe leaders along with the JAC and JPO leaders yesterday fixed the funeral service for November 30 .
The meeting nevertheless expressed their exasperation against the nonchalant attitude of the Manipur Government and declared that the latter will pay a heavy price for its actions and inactions.
A separate meeting of the JAC held today called on all the hill districts of the State to boycott the upcoming Sangai Festival that is to be hosted by the State's Tourism Department.
'People from all the hill districts, particularly the people of Churachandpur have been requested not to participate in the upcoming Sangai Festival.
If anyone from Churachandpur turns up for the event individually or in groups they will be branded and treated as anti-tribal,' Lalkhohau Chongloi, the JAC Convenor Secretary said on their decision taken today.
Earlier yesterday the tribe leaders along with the JAC and JPO noted the necessity of maintaining a united stand as the movement has crossed seventy-five days, and reaffirmed their commitment to work as a united force until the movement reaches its logical and desired conclusion.
Endorsing the JAC led meeting to lay the '9 Tribal Martyrs' to rest in a grand and befitting manner, the Sunday closes door consultation presided by tribe leaders resolved and fixed November 30 for the funeral programme at ADC Complex, Bungmual.
They have also declared their support to the relay-strike launched by the Manipur Tribal Forum Delhi and granted Rs 2 lakh in assistance.
'It is felt that the burial of our beloved Martyrs at the earliest is the bounden duty of all as a goodwill gesture to the Government of India for their positive response to the JAC's appeal/petition and assured in writing that the concerns of the tribal of Manipur would be addressed and stake holders would be consulted on all matters pertaining to the three Bills,' said the proceedings of the joint meeting today.
It also noted the failure of the Government of Manipur to address the concerns of the JAC and expressed total exasperation over the nonchalant and indifferent attitude of the State Government which has miserably failed to positively respond to the four requirements tabled before the Chief Minister on November 9, 2015 .
The meeting, it said, noted with deep regret that the Manipur Government has not taken any step to address the issue, and it is only the Government of Manipur that will pay a heavy price for its actions and inactions.
The meeting further noted its disappointment with the failure of the Government of India to initiate political dialogue with the UPF and KNO though the two groups have been under SoO for almost a decade now.
'The meeting is of the opinion that it is in the collective interest of all to initiate dialogue sooner than later,' it added.