CCpur joins in observing World's Indigenous Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Lamka, August 09 2011: The indigenous tribes of Churachandpur today joins the world in observing the International day of indigenous people in a daylong ceremony held at Synod Hall here.

Leaders of four apex tribal body attended the observation that was organized by Zomi Human Rights Foundation in an attempt to promote and protect the rights of the local indigenous populace.

The Amnesty Internation India and the ZHRF also releases a joint public statement to mark the observation.

An open discussion on Cultural resurgence for survival with reference to Indigenous people and their land was held in the afternoon, subsequent to the day's formal observation.

Rosiam Pudaite and R Sanga presented the keynote messages while T Vunglallian, a retired Lecturer; Langkhanpau Guite, Chairman ADC Churachandpur; Letpu Haokip, President COPTAM; Ginsawmsang, Secretary CDSU; K Guite, Social Activist joined the discussion as panelist alongside four tribe leaders.

Thangsei, President of KIM; Joseph D Hmar, President Hmar Inpui; and Sangkhuma, President Mizo People Convention, Manipur are some of the prominent tribe leaders that shared their thoughts on measures needed to be adopted on protecting the indigenous rights � their land and culture.

A declaration made following the discussion affirms their commitment to promotion of the cultural, economic, social and political rights of the indigenous people.

It also calls for a new national policies and standards on the subject with a view to removing all the contradictory articles in the Indian Forest Act, 1980 against the Indian Indigenous and tribal peoples over their lands and natural resources especially in the northeastern states of India.

Emphasis has also been laid on the indigenous peoples as per the ILO convention No 169 (1989) within the national framework.

Notably the joint declaration of Amnesty International and the ZHRF have demanded that the ST and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Righst) Act, 2006 Act be implemented; all evictions of Tribals from their land be ended; false criminal charges made against rights defenders be dropped and prosecute all responsible for human rights violations in Tribal and Adivasi areas.

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