We are indigenous folks, says Jiri based UPF
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 12 2020:
The Jiribam based United People's Forum (UPF), representing the Bengali Hindus and Muslims of Jiribam, has submitted a memorandum to the convenor of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs), extending support to the proposed formation of a Naga Territorial Council and listed 13 points which may be considered for the 'indigenous' Bengalis of Jiribam.
Giving a brief history of Jiribam, the UPF claimed that before the formal annexation of Cachar in 1832, the tract of land between the south bound Barak and Jiri river (which is presently in Manipur) was not a part of Manipur, rather it was a part of Cachar, that is the Dimacha kingdom of Cachar.
The Bengalis are the sons of the soil and hence indigenous, claimed the memorandum and added that after learning that 'Jiribam district of Manipur has been included in the Naga Territorial Council' as part of the agreement, stressed on the indigenous status of the Bengalis of Jiribam.
Other points highlighted in the memorandum said that Land Policy under the Land Revenue and Land Reform Act of 1963 and its amendments from time to time as per Central Government norms should be adopted.
Free sale and purchase of land within the Territorial Council should be allowed.
OBC status should be given to the Bengali Muslim and SC status to the Bengali Hindu, said the UPF and added that job reservation should be 15 pc for OBC, 15 pc for SC and in higher and technical education too.
Other points mentioned in the memorandum include special package programme, custom and culture, security measures, political rights, local self Government under the 6th Schedule or 1 Oth Schedule of the Constitution of India, land policy, education policy, economic policy etc.