NEIPF seeks establishement of Department of Indigenous Affairs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 22 2025: The 3rd North East Indigenous People's Forum (NEIPF) concluded in Jokai Bon, Dibrugarh today, with the adoption of "The Jokai Declaration," which seeks establishment of a Department on Indigenous Affairs.

This declaration urges the people of North East States to unite for lasting peace, calling for collective resistance against threats like immigration and alleged exploitation by Governments and corporations.

The participants of the conference also resolved to promote harmony among the people of the region for genuine peace, moving beyond exclusive ideologies, to document indigenous peoples' data to secure their future and to urge the North Eastern States' Legislative Assemblies to safeguard indigenous rights and establish a Department on Indigenous Affairs.

Representatives from various civil organizations and delegates from the Northeastern States gathered to tackle the pressing issues facing the region.

Through collaborative efforts, they resolved to urge State Governments to prioritize indigenous concerns and enact laws to protect the rights and interests.

Acknowledging the looming threats of unchecked immigration and 'predatory Government and corporate aggression', the conference reaffirmed NEIPF's commitment to fostering socio-cultural, economic, and political harmony among the people, and to preserving the region's unity.

Earlier, the delegates of NEIPF elected its new office bearers for the next term.

Anup Chetia was unanimously elected as the chairman of the Forum while N Ibungochoubi will be the secretary general.

Khehoto Swu, Yumlam Achung and Dundee Cliff have been elected as its vice-chairmen.

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