Consultation on protection of resources held at Molnoi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 07 2020: The Molnoi Areas Welfare Council (MAWC) and the Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur jointly organised a community awareness and consultation on "Sustainable Development and Protection of Resources" at Molnoi, Tengnoupal district today.

The meeting was attended by several village chiefs of Molnoi area and representatives of students and women's organisations, said a release of MAWC.

Jiten Yumnam, Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur, while providing resource input on sustainable development and protection of natural resources said that Manipur is blessed with natural resources, forest, land, water and other mineral resources.

He said that the indigenous peoples' traditional and sustainable management of land and natural resources need be promoted for sustainable development.

He opined that the aggressive push for mining in Tengnoupal Chandel, Ukhrul and Kamjong areas of Manipur to mine Chromium, Limestone, and Copper etc will destroy the biodiversity of Manipur and inter-generational survival of indigenous communities of Manipur.

Minlal Haokip, secretary, Molnoi Area Welfare Council said development processes in Molnoi and other areas in Tengnoupal should recognize communities' rights over their land and resources and take their free, prior and informed consent.

Lhunthang Mate of Zion village said indigenous territories are rich in resources and it is critical that the Government consult and take consent of the traditional village institutions and villagers.

He said the mining plan, Yaingangpokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary and the Reserved Forest expansion plan will affect peoples' traditional management and livelihood dependence from their forest land.

Other village chief opined that the Government of India and Manipur should advance the community protection of land and resources.

Indigenous peoples should reflect on the multifaceted implications of proposed extractive industries in Manipur to ensure the protection of our land and coming generations, the release said.

The participants of the consultation expressed concern that extractive industries like mining of chromrnm, limestone, copper etc in Tengnoupal area will led to destruction of forest, agriculture land, water sources and affect the livelihood of communities, it said.

The participants resolved to stand against any fonn of mining in Manipur without recognition of peoples' rights over their land and resources and consent.

Participants further affirmed that land is indigenous peoples' source of survival, culture and identity.

Sustainable development need to promote people's right and protect environmental integrity, it added.

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