HWA, ZWC, NWU assert on separate identity
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Senapati, September 01 2015:
Hmar Women Association (MWA), Zomi Women Council (ZWC) and Naga Women's' Union (NWU) representing the voice of indigenous women in Manipur have asserted that they are people different from the dominant societies.
"We are a people who have been living and practicing our culture and traditions which is unique and distinct from the dominant societies," a joint statement of these organisations said.
It added that "our social, cultural, economic and political life has been passed down from our ancestors and we will continue to practice it" .
According to the statement, they belong to a worldview that defines land as collectively owned by the people and not the State.
"We are against any form of attempt to alienate us from our land.
Land is central to our identity and life," it stated.
"Therefore the proposed amendment of Manipur Land Revenues and Land Reforms Act of 1960 as agreed exclusively between the Government of Manipur and the JCILPs on August 25, 2015 should not include the land of the indigenous peoples in the district of Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati," it demanded.