Meet discusses illegal immigration, rights of indigenous
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 30 2024: A one-day public convention on the "Protection of Indigenous People of Manipur", organised by the Meetei/Meitei Tribe Union (MMTU) in collaboration with the Platform for Protection of Indigenous People (PPIP), brought attention to the pressing issues of illegal immigration and its impact on indigenous rights.

Held at Hotel Imphal on Saturday under the aegis of the Adivasi Samanvay Manch of India (ASMI), the convention brought together stakeholders from various fields to deliberate on the challenges faced by indigenous communities and discuss strategies for safeguarding their culture, identity, and land from the growing threats posed by illegal immigration.

The event was attended by Manipur Legislative Assembly speaker Th Satyabrata as the chief guest, ASMI national president Dr Sunil Prahar as the president, and former RIMS medical superintendent Dr Yanglem Mohen as the guest of honour.

In his keynote address, MMTU secretary administration Mutum Churamani highlighted the significance of the convention, noting that it stemmed from interactions during MMTU's 20-day nationwide campaign in September this year.

During the campaign, MMTU came across ASMI and brought to its attention the critical issues surrounding illegal immigration and the threats these pose to the indigenous people of Manipur.

The lack of awareness about these challenges among national bodies prompted the need for a platform to address such concerns, leading to Saturday's event, he said.

The convention aimed to build a united voice not only for indigenous communities in the northeast but across India.

Churamani expressed hope that the deliberations would provide a common platform for leaders and stakeholders to address the issues and challenges threatening indigenous communities.

The convention also included indigenous tribal leaders from Tripura and Meghalaya, who shared their experiences and perspectives.

Their participation emphasised the collective challenges faced by indigenous communities in the region and highlighted the need for a unified approach to protect their rights and identities.

Churamani stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations, community leaders, and scholars to empower indigenous communities.

While the Inner Line Permit (ILP) offers some legal protection, he questioned its effectiveness and called for stronger measures to protect the land, culture, and heritage of indigenous people.

Protecting indigenous communities is not just about preserving their history but also about upholding their dignity, human rights, and identity, he remarked.

He urged all stakeholders to assume dual roles as policymakers and activists to ensure comprehensive protection.

The convention featured resource persons who provided valuable insights into the issues facing indigenous communities.

Professor RK Narendra from the RIMS statistics department presented an analysis on "Population Growth of Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Peoples of Manipur" shedding light on demographic changes in the state and their implications for indigenous populations.

Manipur University anthropology department retired professor W Nabakumar spoke on "Perspective of Indigenous Peoples of Manipur from Anthropological View".

His presentation focused on the socio-cultural dimensions of indigenous identity and the impact of external pressures on traditional communities.

The convention underscored the urgency of protecting the rights and heritage of indigenous people amidst the challenges posed by illegal immigration and socio-political changes.

Participants highlighted the importance of empowering indigenous communities by preserving their land, culture, and traditions while ensuring their human rights and dignity are safeguarded.

By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, the event marked a step toward creating a concerted platform to address the pressing concerns of indigenous communities in Manipur and beyond.

Organisers expressed optimism that the dialogue initiated at the convention would pave the way for effective policies and collaborative efforts to protect indigenous communities.

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