TL&RPO accuses Govt of 'ignoring' tribal rights, calls indefinite general strike from August 24
Source: The Sangai Express
Tengnoupal, August 22 2019:
Tribal's Land and Resources Protection Organisation (TL&RPO) has denounced the State Government's declaration of all forest areas in Tengnoupal district as reserved forest and warned that general strike will be called if it doesn't get a reply from the Government before August 24 .
Stating that the declaration is 'unacceptable', TL&RPO in a statement today asserted that the Government's order will affect rights of about 30 villages.
TL&RPO had sought a meeting with Chief Minister on August 2 and there is no reply till today, it said informing that it had also served an ultimatum to the Chief Minister on August 17 after a public meeting on August 16.As the Government remains 'silent', it convened a public meeting today at PDP Hall, Pallel and has decided to call indefinite general strike on National Highway (Pallel to Moreh) and ban all highway construction activities from 5 am of August 24 .
Ceremonial programmes, medical, fire service, electricity, and education sector will not be affected by the general strike, it said.
"Tribals of the State live on forest land since time immemorial" .
"We cultivate and collect forest products.
We are governed by customary land holding system since time immemorial...
Our livelihood depends on forest products and wildlife without which, we have no source of income for our family maintenance and children education.
We have our own village authority and it looks after the welfare of the residents, and manage village's land and its resources," said TL&RPO.
It also accuses the Government of 'ignoring tribal rights in many aspects' .
"The United Nation's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) under Article No 8, 25, 26, 32 is being violated by issuing of notifications and declarations," TL&RPO asserted.