IPFM calls for Indigenous People's Bill
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 15 2025: The Indigenous People's Forum, Manipur (IPFM) has raised a clarion call to the Government of Manipur to pass an Indigenous People's Bill in the State Assembly in the near future, according to IPFM president Ashang Kasar.

He made the statement while speaking at the News Bulletin Release Program organised by IPFM at Sangai Hall, Hotel Imphal.

Addressing the gathering, Ashang Kasar said that IPFM will host a World Indigenous Day ceremony for the North East chapter in Imphal on August 9 .

IPFM calls for Indigenous People's Bill

The IPFM president also addressed the issue surrounding restriction on movement of a specific community during the Shirui Lily festival.

Telling people to rest their worries, he said Naga CSOs including the TNL have issued notices to ensure unhindered movement of people travelling to attend the festival.

The Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul has also declared Ukhrul as a safe area and assured to protect the festival goers.

Terming the viral social media notice as a "psychological threat", he said no one can stop the movement of indigenous people to attend the festival in a place like Ukhrul which is inhabited by indigenes.

It is time for indigenous people to work towards socio-economic development and make concrete plans to ensure long-term peace for the indigenous community without any disruptions from outsiders/illegal immigrants.

As IPFM has been working tirelessly for the common cause of all indigenous communities, the news bulletin was released today with the goal of uniting the indigenes, he said.

He added that IPFM has also been calling for the creation of a Ministry in the Government of India, specially for the well-being and welfare of the indigenous communities and allocate 75% of the development fund for native people.

Chief guest Dr T Lima Jamir, president, Nagaland Indigenous People's Forum (NIPF) maintained that illegal immigrants are spreading across the North East States "like cancer" .

All North Eastern States have equally felt the brunt of illegal immigrants who enter the country from across the border and each State continues to reel under this onsalught.

Manipur has been battling the impact of illegal immigration for more than two years while the population of indigenes in Tripura has been reduced to 30% .

"Assam is also witnessing increasing trend of illegal immigration to the point that outsiders have socio-economic and political status now", maintained Dr T Lima Jamir.

Considering this situation, he highlighted the pressing need for the indigenous communities in the North East to unite and work collectively for the well-being of future generations.

Other notable dignitaries present at the event include David K Shimray, former president, Tangkhul Naga Long; RK Bijayalaxmi, secretary, Yelhoumee Phurup; Dr Arambam Noni, Associate Professor DM University, Imphal; Assurance Raikhan, president, All Manipur Tribal Film Organization; Gaingam Gangmei, former president UNC and Ambition Anth, convener, Imphal Naga Forum.