Thousands pay homage to Robinhood
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 08 2016 : The first death anniversary of Sapam Robinhood who was killed last year in the popular civil movement for enforcement of Inner Line Permit System (ILPS) or a similar mechanism in the State was observed today at Awaching.

Offering of floral tributes and general salute with Pena and Thang-Ta presentations and a public convention were the main features of the anniversary function.

The function held at the Robinhood's memorial complex opened with customary religious rituals.

Thousands pay homage to Robinhood

A large number of people including students and volunteers of JCILPS paid homage to the young martyr.

The memorial function continued till late afternoon.

Speaking to media persons before the public convention, Sapam Romesh, father of late Sapam Robinhood lamented that the popular demand still remains unfulfilled even though it has been one year since his son died for the popular cause.

Except for suspension of some police personnel, the Government has done nothing to bring justice to the killing of Robinhood, he continued.

JCILPS convenor-incharge BK Moirangcha, former convenor H Ibotombi Khuman, COHR Chairman Phulindro Konsam, Manipur University Reader Thiyam Bharat, MALSO founder general secretary Advocate Md Rabi Khan Meiramayum and Robinhood Foundation chairman Ch Hemchand attended the public convention as presidium members.

Giving key-note address of the convention, JCILPS coconvenor Ksh Somorendro gave a brief account of how Sapam Robinhood was killed in police action in the course of the popular movement for enactment of a constitutional safeguard for protection of indigenous people of the land.

The martyrdom of Robinhood heightened the momentum of the mass movement and he was lovingly given the epithet of Lamjing Meira.

Subsequently, JCILPS and the State Government signed a seven-point agreement on August 25 last year and the Manipur Legislative Assembly passed three Bills on August 31.However, the popular aspirations remain unfulfilled till date as neither the Manipur State Population Commission nor the Manipur State Land Reforms Commission has been constituted.

While the Government of India has withheld the PMP Bill 2015, it is seeking more time for studying the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (7th Amendment) Bill 2015 and the Manipur Shops and Establishments (2nd Amendment) Bill 2015, Somorendro said.

He then called upon all the people to pledge collectively to ensure that Robinhood's aspiration for the masses is achieved.

BK Moirangcha said that the popular movement for protection of indigenous people is neither anti-India nor does it have any intention to drive away outsiders.

The movement is aimed at protecting the identity and culture of the indigenous people, and check drastic alteration of the State's demographic profile due to incessant influx.

It is not clear whether the all parties delegation who met central leaders at Delhi knew exactly when the Government of India withheld the PMP Bill 2015.The uproar raised against the three Bills by some section of hill people might be attributed to misleading or false propaganda and misunderstanding.

The JCILPS has its door wide opened to debate the Bills.

If there is any clause/section/para which infringes upon the rights and interests of hill people, the same may be rectified/ modified, BK Moirangcha said.

As the PMP Bill 2015 has been withheld, the Government should focus on drafting a new Bill.

JCILPS would hold its steering committee and executive committee meetings and soon announce the next phase of mass agitation.

BK Moirangcha then declared that the place where the mortal remains of Robinhood were put to rest has been named Lamjing Meira Ching.

Later in the evening, lamps were lighted at the memorial tomb.