JAC resolves to stand for tribal rights
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 23 2022:
A newly formed Joint Action Committee (JAC) Kangchup-Leimakhong-Irang Protected Forest was set up on July 12 last during a meeting at Kanglatongbi (Namdiluang) Community hall in Kangpokpi district.
During the meeting, Lhunkhohen Kipgen was elected as the chairman while Maisongwibou Thiumai was elected the secretary and Chari Bariam as the vice-chairman.
Also Mangsat Elmun was elected as the finance secretary and three executive members were elected namely Guikhamlak, Thangtinglal and Tabonang Thiumai, said a press statement by the secretary of the JAC The meeting was attended by Chairman of villages, chief and intellectual from the three blocks of Tamei, T Waichong and Haochong.
The newly formed JAC resolved to stand in unity for the tribal rights and denounced the 1967 Declaration of Kangchup-Leimakhong-Irang Protected Forest which had been undertaken without the knowledge and consultation of all stakeholders.
The JAC claimed that the village chiefs of the affected villages of the protected forest were not notified regarding the declaration and no claims of objection were ever called.
The JAC also submitted a memorandum to the Chairman, Hill Areas Committee (HAC), Government of Manipur to address the issue in the interest of the affected tribal community.