Consult all people : CRAM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 24 2016:
The Centre for Research and Advocacy,
Manipur (CRAM) has urged the State Government to undertake a
comprehensive approach to ensure the rightful participation of all
indigenous peoples of Manipur in formulating a policy or a Bill
towards protecting the rights of the indigenous peoples of Manipur
and in regulating the entry or exit of non-indigenous people in
Manipur.
In a statement, CRAM said that it is concerned with the fact
that the Government's reliance only on electronic means of
receiving comments for Manipur Regulation of Non-Local
People Act, 2016 will not be effective as not all the indigenous
people have access to internet.
It is important to insist on other means of communication
to receive wider inputs.
The preparation of the Bill must undertake mandatory
consultations with leaders and representatives of different
indigenous communities, from the legal fraternity, intellectuals,
village authorities, and others concerned, said CRAM in a
statement.
Promoting indigenous peoples' rights over their land and
resources and seeking free, prior and informed consent before
any land acquisition for any purpose will be crucial for the
protection of the indigenous people, it added.