CCpur JAC thanks all
Source: The Sangai Express

CCpur, June 10 2016 : The JAC against Anti-Tribal Bills has extended gratitude to the public from across the hill areas of Manipur for observing the 24 hours total shutdown jointly called by the JAC and OMTF.

The JAC thanked the All Tribal Movement Lamka (ATML), Singtangmite Group and the All Manipur Tribal Women Union (AMTWU) and other like-minded groups and individuals who tirelessly volunteered and ensured a peaceful shutdown.

The JAC also conveyed its appreciation to the Singat Area JAC against Anti-Tribal Bills, JAC Jiribam, Thadou Women Union, Thadou Students' Association for their remarkable initiatives and appreciated the noteworthy efforts of the various organisations under the UNC in Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul and Chandel districts.

The 10 days economic blockade starting from midnight of June 9 is another step of putting a united fight for the cause and to cordially move together in the collective fight for tribal rights and identity, the JAC said.

With the President of India withholding assent to the PMP Bill 2015 and the two other Bills � MLR&LR (7th Amendment) Bill, 2015 and Manipur Shops and Establishments (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2015 being examined by experts and the nine tribal 'martyrs' still awaiting justice and an honourable burial, the fight against these 'anti-tribal' Bills is far from over, it added.

Besides, the impending demands of the dominant community to mask the three 'anti-tribal' Bills through Manipur Population Commission, Manipur Land Reforms Commission and the demand for inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe list is a fortification and a step to implement the intent of the three 'anti-tribal' Bills that currently face scrutiny.

As such, the demands of the dominant community to undermine the tribal people should be opposed at all cost, the JAC asserted.

Meanwhile, the JAC in its meeting today with various tribal chiefs at KKL Complex, Lamka resolved that the tribal chiefs under the Hmar Chiefs' Association, Kuki Chiefs' Association, Zomi Chiefs' Association and United Chiefs' Committee will be in Delhi to voice their grievances about the three 'anti-tribal' Bills and each chief will bear their own expenses.

Members of All Tribal Chiefs' Forum will also be requested to be a part of the delegation.

The meeting also resolved that each village authority contributes an amount not less than Rs 2000 for the JAC activities and collection of the contributions should be the responsibility of HCA, KCA and ZCA within their respective jurisdiction.

At the same time, the JAC took strong exception to the rumour spread by vested interest individuals that the joint initiatives taken by the JAC and other tribe councils in organising public awareness against the 'anti-tribal' policies of the Manipur Govt in the interior tribal areas were sponsored by people intending to contest the next State Assembly election.

It resolved not to spare the individuals responsible for spreading the propaganda.

As resolved in the joint meeting on June 7 between the JAC and OMTF, the plan to oppose the inauguration of SDO/BDO Sangaikot by boycotted tribal MLAs firmly stands, it said.

The JAC urged all tribal individuals not to fall prey to the State Govt's attempt to create disunity and misunderstanding using money power amongst the tribal people.

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