Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite
Lamka, August 10 2009:
The International Day for Indigenous People was celebrated here yesterday with the theme, 'On the verge of cultural extinction' at Synod Hall under the aegis of Zomi Human Rights Foundation (ZHRF).
Showcasing the past culture and tradition of the local indigenous people was the main attraction at the day's observance.
It also witnessed an oration on the indigenous rights and exhibition of the indigenous developed tools.
A declaration affirming the commitment to promote the cultural, economic, social and political rights of the marginalized indigenous people was also adopted on the occasion.
During the celebration, ZHRF called on the indigenous people to wake up from their deep sleep of ignorance on their rights and also urged upon the Government to look into the matter.
In spite of they being the inheritors and practitioners of unique culture and ways of relating to other people and to the environment, indigenous people lost all their right over their land, forest and other natural resources.
And despite the dawn of the 21st century, they still were not only suppressed and isolated but deceived and weakened by decisive Acts and Rules especially in the State of Manipur, alleged the foundation.
Besides the days theme, self-determination was another major agenda discussed during the function.