CM vows constitutional sateguard of indigenes
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, December 13 2024: Chief Minister N Biren Singh attended the Manipur Indigenous People's Cultural Exchange Festival organised under the theme 'Manipur United by Diversity', at Chadong village in Kamjong district on Friday.

The two-day festival is being organised by Indigenous People's Forum, Manipur under the aegis of Tourism Department.

Addressing the gathering, CM Biren stated that it is a crucial moment for all the indigenous communities, who had been living together since time immemorial.

Stating that Manipur belongs to the indigenous people, whose rights, land and security had been defended by the forefathers using swords and spears, he assured that the government is committed to protect and safeguard the indigenous population at all cost along with asserting that the government will not relent until the indigenous people acquire constitutional safeguards.

Raising concern that the indigenous population seem to forget that the forefathers had defended the motherland for more than 2000 years, the CM mentioned that his government had introduced the 'Go to Hills Mission' to start research on history of the forefathers and to find the sites of historical significance.

He then appreciated the Indigenous People's Forum for organising the much necessary cultural exchange festival, adding that time has come for the indigenous populations to know who we are and those vested interest groups who are trying to disintegrate the state.

He appealed to the public to study government records and data on population, geography and the demographic imbalance, so as to move in the right direction and save the indigenous population.

"Now it is a critical period for indigenous people who have been living since time immemorial.

Our land was safeguarded by spear and swords in the history of more than 2000 years and guns arrived only after the British came," he said.

The CM said he initiated the "Go to Hills" campaign to strengthen shared cultural and historical legacy.

"Understanding the indige nous communities is the need of the hour...Many people do not want to acknowledge the demographic changes caused by events happening outside the state.

We have been struggling to save the indigenous communities which are Under threat," Biren claimed.

He also said, "The government is working hard to ensure the rights, respect, ownership of land and authority of the indigenous people.

We will succeed in our endeavour".

An indigenous ethnic cultural centre was developed at Rs 6 crore in Makhel village which is considered as the origin of indigenous people, he said.

"Ever since I became a chief minister, I initiated the "Go to Hills' campaign as part of understanding our shared cultural and historical legacy.

Several historical sites have been developed," maintained the CM.

The festival organised by the Indigenous Peoples' Forum was supported by the government as part of its effort to foster unity, the CM said, and urged those who consistently criticise the government to first "study the changes in population and electoral rolls".

He appealed to them to "look at satellite images of the number of villages that have grown in the state and the size of forests that have disappeared due to deforestation".

"Please also study why there is a massive rise in population among one community and not in other communities.

If there was anything wrong with what I had said and done, you could punish me.

Mere gossip cannot save land and indigenous people" he cautioned.

Biren also attributed the ongoing crisis in the state to the Congress party, accusing them of compromising the state's integrity for political gain.

Speaking on the Congress party 's recent protests against the central government over the Manipur issue, the he stated, "Congress party is responsible for what is happening in Manipur...

They made so many compromises with others to break Manipur".

Apparently referring to the Congress party's vocal criticism of the government, and holding protests nationwide to draw attention to the turmoil in the state, CM Biren countered their accusations by highlighting the Congress' alleged historical missteps that, according to him, laid the foundation for the current unrest.

He further appealed to all the 34/35 indigenous communities to help restore peace in the state and continue living in peace and harmony just as before.

Maintaining that the government has been striving for the welfare of the present and future generations, he said that the War on Drugs will continue so as to save and protect the youth of the state.

He also appreciated Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, CAPFs, CSOs and volunteers for destroying poppy plantation in the state.

Biren also highlighted how the people of Chadong village were shifted due to the construction of a dam and said the project has ushered in new means of livelihood for the villagers through fisheries and tourism.

He further appreciated the villagers of Chadong for sacrificing their original homeland for the larger benefit of the state and extended his wishes for Christmas while calling for peace in the state.

In his speech, Indigenous People's Forum, Manipur chairman Ashang Kasar said that on-going conflict was caused by groups who want to divide the indigenous communities and the state.

However, the festival has shown that no matter how much one tries, the ties between the indigenous communities of the state remains strong and will continue to be in the future, he stated, while adding that the festival has provided a huge platform for all indigenous communities to gather and unite.

"Though we always say that we are indigenous people of the state.

But we the indigenous population don't have any platform to share our culture.

To have that space, the event is being organised," he reasoned.

A Tangkhul singer, Thangmeiso Shinglai expressed happiness on being able to take part in the event and encouraged people to take part in such significant events.

As a part of the programme the CM unveiled the "Monuments of Ages", and visited the stalls opened in connection with the festival.

The programme began with a welcoming song performed by the local village women, followed by various cultural dances and folk songs performed by various tribes of Manipur.

The cultural festival was attended by Works minister Govindas Konthoujam, CAF & PD minister Leishangthem Susindro Meitei, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary minister Kashim Vashum, Manipur Building and Other Construction Board chairperson K Sarat Kumar, Chadong village headman Wungnaoyo Kasar, secretary (Tourism) Naorem Praveen Singh, Tourism Department director W Ibohal Singh, Apunba Ima Keithel Lup, high ranking police officials and villagers among others.

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