International Indigenous People's Day observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 09, 2012:
Manipur joins the rest of the world in observing International Indigenous People's Day today with various indigenous organizations and groups coming out to celebrate the day in different parts of the state.
At Yeasom (Khoripok) under Ukhrul district, the observance of International Indigenous People's Day was organised jointly by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System and Yeasom Village Authority.
Speaking on the occasion, Sapamcha Jadumani, Convener of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System, said that no matter how much one tries to spew hatred amongst the different indigenous peoples in this society, it will be impossible to break the bond of love between them.
He cautioned that some individuals in our society under the influence of the Central Government are trying to break the bonding among the indigenous people and keep them apart.
Even if the indigenous people show compliance under the threat of guns, they will never take it to their hearts and love will always prevail.
Jadumani pointed out that there are around 2 lakh Nepali population in Senapati district, a place where the indigenous people are demanding a separate state of their own.
It is indeed disheartening that they are breeding migrant populations and acting against their indigenous brothers.
They seem to forget the harmful consequences of encouraging migrant population in the state.
Mutum Churamani, Joint Co-convener of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit, who was also present on the occasion, noted that ever increasing influx of migrants in Imphal would certainly have its effect in the hill areas as well.
Today, the non-Manipuris, who are engaged by BRO for construction of NHs in the state, have crossed the limit.
They are having intimate relations with women of the hills but they would ultimately abandon them.
This is the reason, why we see many 'cocktail' persons being born to indigenous women, he said, added that we cannot preserve and protect the indigenous population without a proper plan methodology.
Houpu Kom, Co-Convener, Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit, also pointed out that the present clashes among the indigenous Bodo people of Assam and the influx migrants from Bangladesh is the first step of outsiders swallowing the indigenous population.
There is no guarantee that the same situation may not happen in Manipur in near future.
As such there is the urgent need to re-implement ILP in the state.
The function was also attended by Salam Manihar, Legal Advisor of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit and Ayo, Village Chief of Yeasom.
The International Indigenous People's Day was also organized by Indigenous People's Forum (IPF) at Keishamthong Kabui Youth Union hall.
The function, which was held under the theme "Nurturing Roots for Wholesome Fruition" was graced by N Raghumani, Chairman of Imphal Municipal Council (IMC) and Makulim Remei, President of IPF as Chief Guest and President respectively.
Ng Nongyai, former member of Manipur Human Rights Commission and Rongmei Lungpui, Chief of Keishamthong Kabui Khul were also present as Guests of Honour.