Capacity building programme on Rights of Indigenous Peoples held at Maram Khunou
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, October 05 2025: A capacity building program on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was successfully held at Maram Khunou Village, Senapati District, Manipur, organised by Grassroots NGO, Shillong, with the support of FIMI (International Indigenous Women's Forum) and AMYAANGO, which served as the local technical partner.

The program witnessed active participation from 102 community members, marking a strong community engagement and growing awareness on indigenous rights.

Saveinai Phomai, Project Lead of AMYAA NGO, opened the program with a brief introduction about the organizing institutions and the purpose of the initiative.

In her address, she highlighted the prevailing scenario of Naga communities in Senapati District, where women's voices were often excluded from developmental projects and decision-making processes.

Drawing examples from existing social structures such as Village Authorities and the Church, she emphasized that this project seeks to promote gender equality and inclusive participation in community governance and development.

The key session was led by Advocate Heni Ahrai, who served as the resource person.

He shared an indepth presentation on the political, cultural, and land rights of indigenous peoples, referencing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

His discourse shed light on the legal and moral foundations that recognize indigenous communities' rights to self-determination, cultural preservation, and sustainable management of their ancestral lands.

The interactive discussion that followed allowed participants to share experiences and express concerns related to land ownership, women's inclusion, and cultural preservation.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Thomas, chairman of Maram Khunou Village.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and resource person for conducting such an insightful and empowering session, and he voiced the community's hope for more such awareness programs in the future.

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