Manipur celebrates International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Source: The Sangai Express

Chandel/Senapati/Thoubal/Tamenglong, August 09 2025: Manipur joined the rest of the globe in celebrating the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples which seeks to raise awareness and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population.

CHANDEL

The South East Manipur College (SEMCO), Komlathabi observed the celebration of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2025 at the seminar hall of the College.

Under the theme of "Indigenous Peoples and AI-Defending Rights and Shaping Future", the event witnessed the attendance of L Solomon Dangsawa, SEMCO Vice Principal as the chairperson; Dr Shanoi Moses Tarao, Head, Anthropology Department; Dr Miranda Bembem Matuwa, coordinator, IQAC and Dr Sorokhaibam Haridas Singh, Head, Political Science Department as the special guests.

At the event, students of SEMCO showcased their unique traditional attire during many cultural performances.

SENAPATI

The Naga Women's Union (NWU) organised the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples at SM Sha Hall, Senapati.

The event was sponsored by Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP).

In her welcome note, Naga Women's Union president Priscilla Thiumai stated that the Nagas are indigenous people who were not colonised by conquest.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) states that people should respect the land rights, territorial rights, natural resources and the cultural rights of indigenous peoples.

However, she lamented that the word indigenous is not found in the Constitution of India although India is also a signatory.

Instead, the words "Tribal" and "Adivasi" are used, which don't encompass the real meaning of indigenous, she alleged.

Many have claimed to be indigenous when they don't fulfil the criteria, she added.

The NWU president made a proposal to observe the day with a mega program in the coming year.

General secretary of the United Naga Council (UNC), Vareiyo Shatsang in his address stated that the day is celebrated to glorify the cultures, resilience and the invaluable rights of the indigenous people.

Shatsang added that people face AI challenges which is a new frontier in this changing world.

He questioned if AI will serve the people or exploit them.

He said one must shape AI to respect the rights, preserve cultures and benefit the communities.

Maintaining that AI learns from existing pattern and data which contain errors, biases or outdated information, he highlighted the need to harness the power of AI to revitalize languages, document people's history and connect the youth.

Meanwhile, social & cultural secretary of ANSAM Makan Zebulun said that in this competitive world Nagas are fortunate to live in their own land with unique history.

Resource person Chingya Luithui, member, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) spoke on the theme during the program, stating that indigenous people refers to the original inhabitants of a particular region or country, who have a distinct cultural, social, and economic identity that is deeply connected to their ancestral lands.

A panel discussion followed in the later part of the program with Nepuni Piku, chairperson, Morung for Indigenous Affairs and Justpeace and Joyson Mazamo, convenor, Naga People's Movement for Human Rights-South as the two panellists.

A power point presentation on indigenous women was presented by Hejeilungle, president, Zeme Pui Baudi during the program.

THOUBAL

Salaai Kanba Lup (SKL) Central Committee observed International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2025 at Thoubal Achouba Multipurpose Community Hall today.

Held under the theme "Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures", the event was graced by K Debadutta Sharma, Director, Horticulture & Soil Conservation as the chief guest; Salaai Kanba Lup (SKL) chairman Leichonbam Gopal as the functional president; Ningombam Tomba, Teacher of Music, Waikhom Mani Girls College and Dr Y Jayanta, Executive Director, NIELIT Imphal as the resource person.

A major highlight of the event was the launching of a special textile made by extracting fibres from pineapple leaves, which are then processed into yarn.

This was accomplished and introduced by SKL member Ranjita.

Students from various schools across Thoubal district also attended the celebration of indigenous peoples.

Delivering the keynote address, SKL general secretary L Kangleicha Kha Nganba said that even in this day of advancement, science and information technology, violation of human rights and suppression of weaker sections of society continues in large parts of the world.

He highlighted the numerous challenges and problems faced by indigenous peoples across the globe and added that external forces threaten the lives, territorial integrity, distinct cultures, customs, beliefs, identity, languages, script of indigenous peoples.

"As a result, self-determination is essential for indigenous people and we need to ask ourselves some tough questions and try to provide the answers ourselves", said the SKL general secretary.

TAMENGLONG

Assam Rifles celebrated World Tribal Day today at Tamenglong HQ and various Company operating bases (COB) Manipur by organising a colourful tribal dance presentation showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Manipur's tribal communities.

The event brought together participants from different tribes of the State, including Rongmei, Liangmai and Zeme who presented their traditional dances in an atmosphere filled with music, rhythm, and pride, said a press release.

Dancers adorned in vibrant ethnic attire performed to traditional tunes, captivating the audience with their grace and energy.

The event concluded with felicitation to participants to encourage their dedication towards cultural preservation.

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