World Indigenous People's Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 09, 2014:
Call for ILPS implementation reverberated during World Indigenous People's Day observances organised at different parts of the State today.
In a function organised by Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur at Uripok Haobam Dewan Leikai, former Minister RV Mingthing, CDC MU former Director and STDCM president Dr Y Mohendro and former Ukhrul ADC Usham Dhananjoy were the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking at the occasion, RV Minghting said that protection of indigenous people is an accepted affair all over the world.
Preservation of indigenous culture, tradition and identity is permitted by the United Nations, Mingthing said while adding that implementation of ILPS would serve as a significant step towards it.
Maintaining that ILPS was enforced in Manipur from 1947 to 1950, Mingthing said that the then Commissioner lifted the system from Manipur later.
He questioned why ILPS is not enforceable in Manipur although it is being implemented in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.
Exhorting the people of the State to collectively press the Government to put ILPS into effect, Mingthing observed that it is the best step towards protection of indigenous people.
Meanwhile, World's Indigenous People's Day was also jointly observed by Citizens Action for Social Development, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, Awang Sekmai New Market Development Association at Awang Sekmai today.
Speaking at the observance held under the theme, 'In Defence of Our Land, Forest, Water, Our Rights and Future', Centre for Research and Advocacy secretary Jiten Yumnam stressed on need to put forward the issues of indigenous people of Manipur at World Conference on Indigenous People to be held in September this year.
The increasing number of development projects like proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam over Barak River, Mapithel dam over Thoubal river etc and oil exploration plan in Manipur have threatened indigenous people's survival.
He also stressed on the need for adopting self determination towards bringing development and end mitralization in Manipur.
Writer Yaiskul, Committee on Human Rights Convenor Phulindro Konsam, Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization Advisor Thanmi Kashung, All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen's Union Joint Secretary Chaba, Sorokhaibam Sanjoy of All Manipur United Clubs Organization spoke at the function.
As part of the World Indigenous People's Day observance, JCILPS Student's Wing and rickshaw pullers carried out different rallies spreading the message of protection of indigenous people.
JCILPS Student's Wing flagged off a bike rally from THAU ground, Thangmeiband at around 11 am.
The rallyists used placards that read as 'Save Our Culture, Save the Indigenous People', 'Implement ILPS in the State' and 'No Meaning of Life Without Identity' during the rally which passed through important localities of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts.
On the other hand, rickshaw pullers also took out a rickshaw rally on important road of the State capital today.
The rickshaw rally was flagged off from Sagolband Bijoygovinda ground in the afternoon.