MTFD presents its points on burial
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 10 2016: While acknowledging the need to give a respectable and honourable burial to the nine 'martyrs' who were killed in August and September last year in the course of public uproar against the three Bills passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31 last year, the Manipur Tribals Forum Delhi (MTFD) has asserted that the time and circumstances in which the 'martyrs' are put to rest should be in the collective interest of all tribals and worthy of their sacrifice.

A statement issued by MTFD maintained that it has been working to ensure that the causes they died for are not in vain.

As of now, the Bills are with the Central Government and they have not given their assent.

One of the immediate demand is for the Central Government to intervene and ensure a high level enquiry into the killing of the nine tribal 'martyrs' and their killers are punished as per law.

The forum has also highlighted the immediate need to place the hill areas of Manipur under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, under an empowered model which is powerful enough to guarantee autonomy to protect and promote the interests of all the tribals of Manipur.

Till date, even though the Manipur Government had owned up to its culpability in the death of the nine 'martyrs' by performing Hiam Kham, the culprits are yet to be brought to book.

The MTFD has initiated the process of filing FIRs on the killing of the martyrs through the Court.

As per Article 371C of the Constitution of India, the Centre is vested with special powers to give directions to the State of Manipur on any matter affecting the Hill Areas.

"Our long term political demand for separate administration remains and we are committed to fighting the long fight for the same", it conveyed.

MTFD further informed that they are continuing their indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi.

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