FIRM condemns
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 17 2024: The Forum for Indigenous Rights Manipur (FIRM) expressed condemnation over the notification of the Deputy Commissioner, Tengnoupal District, issued on December 2,2024 inviting claims and objections from Kwatha, N Satang and Lamlong Khunou villages within 60 days for the proposed erection of fencing and construction of road along Indo-Myanmar border from BP- 81 to BP-85 (Package IV) in Tengnoupal District, Manipur.

FIRM in a release has stated that, the said notification was a direct imposition the villagers which confined solely on monetary compensation whereas, the same encompasses suppression of the inherent rights of the concerned indigenous villagers and threatens their right to land and long established local settlement right without proper consultation which undermined the section 26 of the UNDRIP, 2007 that provides rights to land and territory of the indigenous people.

The Forum for Indigenous Rights Manipur (FIRM) vehemently asserted that the concerned Government authorities are mandatory to give well information to the villagers and concerned CSOs for the proposed project due to the fact that same involves occupation or alienation of land and eviction of the tribal settlers that will entail deprivation of even right to life.

The FIRM continued that it also violated the rights of indigenous people listed in the section 3 and 19 of the UNDRIP which clearly provided "Right to Self Determination" and "Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC)" of the communities.

The Forum for Indigenous Rights Manipur affirmed that it will give utmost support to the move of the mentioned tribal/ indigenous people in asserting their rights against such imposition laid upon them in the proposed erection of fencing and construction of road along the Indo-Myanmar border in the said area including villages like Moirengthel and others in the same region.

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