MP Dr Lorho vows to protect tribal rights
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte
CCpur, February 27 2023:
Development projects being taken up on land be longing to tribals are good but nothing should be done to infringe on the rights of the tribals, stated Lok Sabha MP Dr Lorho S Pfoze and assured of protecting rights of the tribals at his best level.
Dr Lorho stated this on the sidelines of general assembly cum Awllen Festival-2023 organised by Young Vaiphei Association on Monday at VPC hall, here.
Speaking to this correspondent, the Lok Sabha MP representing Outer Manipur reiterated his firm commitment to protect the rights of the tribals though it may be very a difficult task and may encounter lots of obstacles.
According to Dr Lorho, tribals are related to their lands very much and whatever is being done either to preserve tribal lands or carry out de velopmental projects on tribal lands are good for the state but nothing should infringe on the rights of the tribals.
Tribals are demanding their rights and devolution of power to ADC is one main issue, he said, while maintaining that the government needs to consider this demand and tribal populace also need to understand what the government is doing.
While welcoming the government's 'War on Drugs' campaign, the MP said that alternative arrangement should be made for poppy cultivators so that they could sustain livelihood activities.
While addressing the gathering, Dr Lorho S Pfoze said the Meetei people have more than 2,000 years old civilization and accordingly made great progress and development in their area but the tribals have witnessed this civilization for only around 100 years.
It is up to the Central government to decide whether ST status demand for the Meetei/Meitei is legitimate or not, he said, adding that Meetei/Meitei have every right to demand being citizens of India.
The Lok Sabha MP then thanked chief minister N Biren Singh for taking up developmental projects and bringing positive change in the state.
He also said that destruction of poppy cultivation as part of N Biren government's policy is the need of the hour.