300th day of JAC's movement Hill people gather to pay homage to nine slain people
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 26 2016: The Joint Action Committee Against Anti-Tribal Bills (JAC) conducted a mourning cum prayer session to mark the 300th day of the tribal movement at Churachandpur today.

Tribal people from Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati, Sadar Hills and Tamenglong along with the public from Churachandpur gathered at Young Paite Association general headquarters hall, Hiangtam, which was packed beyond capacity to join their fellow tribals from across the globe in the worldwide mourning and mass prayer programme, said a statement.

Several bus loads of people from across the hill districts of Manipur came to Churachandpur to take part in the programme.

The mourning cum prayer session underway at CCpur

Tribal leaders from United Naga Council, Thadou Women Association, Naga Women Union, Chandel Naga People's Organization, Anal Naga Union, Chini Union, Chothe Tribe Union, Monsang Naga Tribe Union, Naga Student's Union, Chandel district, Lamkang Naga Kver Kumpun, Maring Uparup Assembly, Machi Area Chief/Chairman Association, Khoibu Tribe Union, Moyon Tribe Union, Tarao Tribe Union, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights, Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliangrong Youth Front and Autonomous District Council, Tamenglong attended the mourning programme.

The programme began with the paying of homage to the nine tribal martyrs.

It was followed by the keynote address from H Mangchinkhup, chief convenor of JAC.

He outlined the JAC's plans for the coming days during his speech.

The other speakers included Joseph Lalrothang, president of Hmar Inpui, Lalrinliana, president of Mizo People Convention, Vahchin, president of Thadou Women Association, B Dongzalian Simte, Chairman of Zomi Council and Gaidon Kamei, President of United Naga Council.

The programme ended with a mass prayer session led by Nianglian, Convenor of All Manipur Tribal Women Union wherein the gathering prayed for the continued intervention and guidance of the Almighty in the struggle for self-determination and justice that has completed 300 days.

The programme also witnessed the dedication of the tribal movement flag to be displayed in all tribal homes as a sign of protest and mourning.

Thousands of flags have been dispatched today itself to other hill districts, the statement said and added that the same would be made available in Churachandpur shortly.

The JAC also expressed its sincere gratitude to the general public for their overwhelming response.

It also thanked Young Paite Association for allowing the JAC to use the hall for the programme.