The Hao Research Initiative launched
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, December 09 2013:
In an initiative to bring about an alternative discourse or a new narrative of the Hao peoples or indigenous peoples as compared to the prevailing hegemonic and dominant discourses of scholars and intellectuals of the western and post-colonial states on the general social system, the Hao Research Initiative (THRI) was launched besides holding a seminar on article 371 C of the Indian Constitution at Tribal Research Institute (TRI), Chingmeirong Imphal.
THRI, as the name implies is born out of the original inhabitants or the Hao (s) of the geographical locations in South and South East Asia, said Dr.Yaronso Ngalung, president of THRI who was giving the keynote address at the launching function.
He mentioned that the research initiative intends to bring out a new theoretical insight on who can be called or known as Hao (s) and also mentioned that the motive of THRI will be to preserve, protect and defend the indigenous customs, traditions, practices, cultures, polities, traditional economy and the way of life.
The initiative aims to transform varied human made crisis so as to usher in empowerment, fairness, justice, dignified existence, human rights, freedom of expression, life and liberty, proper protection of social identity and its underpinnings.
It is an attempt to theorize the issues of the Hao peoples from its perspective without confirming all what the others say what they are, he added.
The aims and objects of THRI includes studying history, polity, culture, economy of the Hao (s), to guide in transforming society for empowerment, equality, justice and liberty, to work for preservation of flora and fauna, land, forest, natural resources, culture, customs, traditions and practices etc, make comprehensive documentaries on various issue under studies, to hold seminars, workshops and meetings at regular intervals, to tap the intellectual resources for common benefits, to make networking across people for better human relations, dissemination of ideas, information to the people on issues and institution of Hao (s) journal of magazine as a mouth piece, launching of THRI's website to disseminate information, to undertake research tours and travels across borders for knowledge collection and to link up various local and international research institutes for exchange of ideas and mutual understanding.
Regarding the seminar observed on article 371 C, he said that even though the article was made mandatory in the Indian Constitution for the interests, rights and welfare of the tribals of the hills areas of Manipur, these rights have not been looked after since its enactment in 1971.THRI believes that with full exercise of the rights through the act, tribals can be protected in a better way.
It is necessary for the Hill Area Committee (HAC) to be strengthened along with its power and function and various other items in the scheduled matters included in the order of the then President of India V..VGiri issued on 20 June, 1972, Yaronso maintained.
The function was attended by Dr.Chaltonlien Amo, chairman of Hill Area Committee as chief guest.
The other dignitaries present at the function were Samuel Raishom, MLA Ukhrul and Kikhonpou Newmai, vice chairman Hill Area Committee.
Resource persons who attented the seminar were Daniel Ramsan, senior advocate who spoke on "Power and function of the Hill Areas Committee under article 371 C and Dr..RSanga, director, Imphal School of Preaching who elaborated on "The Hill Areas Committee of the Manipuri State Assembly : An analysis".
Dr.Thathang Vaiphei, assistant professor, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Manipur University was the chairperson of the seminar.
Kikhonbou Newmai speaking at the launching function said that many customary laws exist among the tribal community even though the rules are not laid down on paper.
Time has come for the tribal people to record and preserve the rules and laws in a constitutionalised way so that the laws are practiced in reality and functioned.
Dr Sanga urged the tribal leaders representing the people in the assembly to buckle up and work together to safeguard the interests of the tribals in the state and no longer be deprived of, from the blessing nectar enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
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