'TYCM does not oppose ILPS'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 01 2015 :
The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) today clarified that it does not oppose the ILPS movement.
In a statement, TYCM secretary, Lh Decemhring said that the TYCM had not meant to condemn the JCILPS or the JAC against the killing of Sapam Robinhood in any sense.
It said that they are equally concerned for the protection of indigenous people and agreed to the fact that non-Manipuris would outnumber the indigenous people in the near future.
And, they too condemned the State Government for not punishing the police personnel responsible for Sapam Robinhood's death till date.
They also demanded immediate action so that justice is delivered.
The TYCM is also happy that Haopu Kom, a tribal is also a co-convenor of JCILPS, and they are also glad that various tribal bodies have joined the movement on their own.
TYCM had urged all concerned not to construe its earlier press statement as anti-ILPS.
However, a tribal man has refuted and interpreted it as the Council opposing ILPS movement.
"TYCM feels that as a co-convenor, instead of giving out strong statement through media, it will be much better if Haopu reaches out to his (hill) people and reason the matter together" .
TYCM does not oppose ILPS; it only expressed the possible reason why hill people are not participating in such an important movement.
As Haopu Kom pointed out, many tribal leaders might have taken part in the past in the JCILPS meetings.
But to carry forward this important movement, a joint consultation could have been held.
"If consultation is considered a big burden for some, and if every opinion is to be considered as communal, we are ready to withdraw the press statement dated July 30, 2015.Because, we do not believe in media wars or communalising things," it said.
TYCM said that the participation of tribal in ILPS movement will be meaningful had the decision to participate in the movement was taken collectively through tribal organizations.
TYCM had not meant to say that only commuters of a particular community are travelling on the Dingku road.
However, as the Dingku Road directly links with Ukhrul headquarters, it may look unfair for some people.
TYCM made the statement for the sake of communal harmony, it said.
"We acknowledge the struggle and difficulties faced by the 'valley people' in this movement, and urge the State Government to implement the ILPS," it added.