World Indigenous Day observed Statewide
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 09, 2013:
As done in other parts of the globe, World Indigenous Day was observed in different part of the State by various organizations under the theme of "Indigenous Peoples building alliances: Honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements" today.
To mark the occasion, the students' wing of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), Manipur organized a mass cycle rally from Nambol Higher Secondary School to Lamyanba Shanglen, Palace Compound where a public meeting was held.
When the cycle rally reached Tiddim Ground area, the rallyists were blocked by security personnel and made them to divert their route.
So, the rallyists passed through Khagempalli road, Pishumthong and came out towards Yumnam Leikai.
From there, they proceeded along Keishamthong and passed Waheng Leikai via Keishampat.
Finally, they reassembled at Lamyanba Shanglen after passing through Thangmeiband, New Assembly Road, Khongnang Ani Karak, North AOC and Minuthong.
During the cycle rally, the rallyists were seen holding placards inscribed with slogans like "Save Indigenous People", "Implement Inner Liner Permit System in Manipur" and "Wake up Manipur Government".
Later, addressing the public meeting at Lamyanba Shanglen, Sapamcha Jadumani, President of FREINDS, said that it is because the MLAs of the State have no guts that the ILP system has not been implement in the State till today.
Just waiting for Centre's approval will not bear fruit.
He further stated that the resolution taken by the State Assembly to implement ILP in the State was taken to cool down the public agitation which was gaining momentum by then.
Taking a mere resolution in the State Assembly will not be of any help, he added.
Dr Kumar of Statistic Department, Manipur University, stated that the politicians of Manipur, in their desperate attempt to get votes, have deliberately made many Bangladeshis to settle in the State.
This has led to rapid increase in the population of illegal migrants in the State.
He further asserted that the MLAs of the State are not willing to implement ILP in the State as Manipur has a democratic form of Government where the number counts.
It is worth questioning whether India, as a democratic country, would allow all people from different parts of the globe to settle.
Likewise, even though, the Constitution of India allows every citizen of the country to settle in any part of the country, the Government of Manipur cannot allow every citizen of India to come and settle in Manipur, he maintained.
The meeting was also attended by Joy Chingakham, Co-convener of JCILPS; ex-Minister RV Mingthing and Dr P Kipgen, Chairman of Kuki Organisation for Human Rights as presidium members.
In his address, RV Mingthing observed that ILP is a must to save or protect the indigenous people of Manipur.
He suggested that civil society organisations and the government should give needed effort to implement the ILP in Manipur or else the very existence of indigenous people both in the hills and the valley will be put under great threat.
"In order to safeguard and give due respect to the rights of the indigenous people, the implementation of Inner Line Permit System in Manipur is a must," he reiterated.
Pointing out that a commissioner had abolished the ILP in Manipur several years ago, the tribal leader went on to say, "It is equally important to investigate whether the matter was brought up in the Parliament prior to the abolition of the ILP in Manipur by the commissioner in question".
Dr T Lunkim expressed resentment over terming Kukis as 'new settlers' of the region by certain elements.
According to him Kukis have been settling in the North East region like any other indigenous people of the region.
At Churachandpur district, the 19th International Day of the World's Indigenous People was by Sinlung Indigenous People's Human Rights Organisation (SIPHRO) in association with other partner indigenous organizations, social, youth and church leaders.
On the occasion, a declaration for the protection of the rights of the indigenous people was also adopted.
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