Zeliangrong bodies
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 03 2015:
Close on the heels of various Ukhrul bodies demanding the resignation of their MLAs, the All Zeliangrong Students' Union (AZSU), Zeliangrong Students' Union Manipur (ZSUM) and Zeliangrong Baudi (ZB-AMN) have today demanded resignation of the three MLAs elected from Tamenglong district including Dy CM Gaikhangam from their seats accusing them of bowing to the interest of the dominant community without asserting the tribal rights.
AZSU, ZSUM and ZB in a joint statement accused the three MLAs�Gaikhangam, Z Kikhonbou and Jang-hemlung Panmei, of betraying Zeliangrong people in particular and the tribal people in general.
The three Zeliangrong bodies also strongly condemned the ugly episode of Chura-chandpur district which led to the loss of precious lives of the tribal community.
It prayed that the Almighty provides comfort to the bereaved families at this hour of sorrow and pain.
The supreme sacrifices they made for the cause of tribal today will not go in vain.
The demeaning attitude towards the tribal people should stop at all cost by the dominant community and the State Government of Manipur.
The Zeliangrong people are also shocked to the tone of K Ranjit Singh for his remark in the Assembly which amounts to direct insult to the very existence of tribal people in Manipur wherein their ancestral lands and its people cannot be separated.
This is not the first instance where such demeaning tone is levelled upon the tribal people.
The three anti-tribal Bills passed arbitrarily without consulting the Hill Areas Committee is against the law enacted to safeguard their property, land and people and it would be opposed tooth and nail.
There is no way that tribal of Manipur would part with an inch of land by passing such Bills.
Shutting down of internet following the Churachandpur incident while keeping no such restriction during the two-month long violent agitation of JCILPS is a clear indication of the biased attitude of the Govt towards the tribal people.
The Zeliangrong bodies also sought the immediate intervention of the Central Government to protect the rights of the tribal people.