Ukhrul observes World's Indigenous Peoples Day
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, August 10 2024: Joining the global indigenous community, Ukhrul district on Friday observed the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2024 under the theme Protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact.

The observance was jointly organised by the Discussion Forum Ukhrul (DFU) and Sambu Raiping Shanao Long (SRSL) at Leihsak Long Conference hall, Phungreitang.

Speaking at the occasion, DFU convenor Hungyohung delivered an insightful address centred on this year's theme of protecting the rights of indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation and initial contact.

He highlighted the numerous challenges that indigenous communities face worldwide, particularly regarding land rights and the preservation of their cultures.

He noted that indigenous communities often face the risk of marginalisation due to economic hardships, and added that wealthy individuals and corporations often take undue advantage of these vulnerabilities, leading to the loss of ancestral lands for these groups.

However, the international landscape began to shift following the United Nations' declaration of August 9 back in 1993 as the International Year of the World's Indigenous Peoples Day, which marked a growing recognition of the invaluable contributions of indigenous peoples in promoting sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and biodiversity, he stated.

He emphasised that indigenous communities have their distinct societies, languages, and traditions, and they have a long history of living in harmony with nature.

Informing that the Nagas are recognised as an Indigenous people by the United Nations on a global scale, Hungyohung urged attendees to actively promote policies that support the well-being and development of Indigenous communities.

He also spelt out some of the significant rights of the indigenous peoples as granted by the UN concerning the protection of their lands, natural resources and others and called for increased awareness of these fundamental rights.

In his speech, DFU co-convenor LM Thanmi Shimray emphasised that indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants, known as 'Ripan' in the Tangkhul dialect.

He urged village authorities and civil society organizations within the Naga community to prioritise the celebration of this occasion as a means to increase public awareness about indigenous rights.

Shimray then stressed the urgent need for indigenous communities to unite and advance their efforts in safeguarding their interests and rights pertaining to their cultural heritage, languages, and natural resources.

SRSL chairperson Shanti Awungshi also expressed her gratitude to DFU for making the Sambu women folk a part of the celebration and vouched their support in raising awareness about the indigenous people's rights in the Sambu region.

The celebration also witnessed a cultural performance by Mayo Chithung, an elder from Tangkhul Naga Ngashan Laa Pharimi (TNNLP), a cultural group is dedicated to preserving the rich tradition of Tangkhul folk songs.

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