World Indigenous Day observed across state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 09 2025: As observed elsewhere, the World Indigenous Peoples Day was observed across the state on the theme "Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Future" on Saturday.

The Department of Law and the Centre for Human Rights and Duties Education of Manipur University (MU) jointly observed the World's Indigenous Peoples Day 2025 on the theme "Constitutional Protection of Indigenous Peoples of Manipur" at the conference hall of the Department of Law, MU, on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion, MU department of Law head Yumnam Premananda asserted that until and unless the indigenous people of Manipur such as Meetei/Meitei, Naga and others are protected under the Constitution of India, their existence would remain at risk.

He said that Meetei population is now facing threats related to land, population, job security, the right to live and others.

Unless the community is recognised as Scheduled Tribe, this indigenous community would soon disappear and can only be remembered or found in museums, he remarked.

The observance was attended by MU vice-chancellor Prof Naorem Lokendra Singh, Zeliangrong United Committee president Meibon Phaomei and former MHRC member Ng Nongyai.

The Federation of Indigenous People's Democratic Movement (FIDM) also observed the World Indigenous Peoples Day at Sana Konung Uttra Sanglen on Saturday.

As part of the observance, six out of 25 women under 45 years of age who had given birth to no fewer than five children were honoured.

In his speech, FIDM organisation secretary Meikam Nanao Meitei said that the women were honoured in view of the dwindling population of Sanamahi followers.

He recalled that after the then CM Yangmaso Saija recognised Sanamahism in 1976, the number of followers has now reached three lakhs.

Therefore, the Indian Constitution needs to grant minority religion status to Sanamahism and provide constitutional safeguards, he urged, adding that followers of the religion have been suffering after falling into the trap of India's family planning scheme.

The observance was attended by Sana Konung Angom Ningthou Angom Poireiton as chief guest, FIDM president Wahengbam Shanta Meitei as president, Pole Star College assistant professor Nangom Binodkumar Meitei, Federation of Haomee president Sapamcha Jadumani, FIDM legal advisor Mutum Gourahari and social activist Dr Haibijam Gitajen as guests of honour.

The Schedule Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STD-CM) also observed the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on the theme "The Future of Indigenous Meitei/Meetei Tribe of Manipur" at Manipur Press Club here on Saturday.

The observance was attended by senior advocate Khaidem Mani, retired IAS Dr RK Nimai, Leihaaothabam Saratchandra, MU Law department head Prof Yumnam Premananda, STDCM chief patron Moirangthem Naodalenkhomba, STDCM advisor Prof H Jayanta and retired Lt Col L Lokendra as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, STDCM general secretary K Bhogendrajit observed that although the Meetei/Meitei is an indigenous population, they are not constitutionally recognised.

The government of India does not directly use the term "indigenous" for STs but has many safeguards, protections and developmental provisions for them.

As such, he demanded that the Meetei/ Meitei be recognised as an indigenous population by including them in the ST list.

He added that the movement for inclusion in the ST list would resume once normalcy is restored in the state.

Meanwhile, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples was observed by Apun-ba Imagi Machasing (AIMS) along with the launch of CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology, Lamphelpat chief scientist Prof H Birkumar Singh's landmark book titled 'Hidak Kanaraba Pambishing: A Treatise of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants' at Brighter Public English School, Andro Mamang Leikai, on Thursday.

According to a press release by AIMS director Dr Atom Sunil Singh, the observance was attended by Khongnangthaba University assistant professor Dr Puthem Jugeshor Singh, former ICM Guwahati director Dr Kh Somendro Singh, MU department of Anthropology Prof Haobijam Vokendro Singh, cultural activist Puthem Ongbi Memcha, National Sports University deputy finance officer Maisnam Chanu Liklainu, health services retired additional director Dr S Manikanta Singh, University of Suwon (South Korea) faculty Jinine Laishramcha, Wageningen University MSc Organic Agriculture graduate Asheibam Bele Singh, Brighter Public School Andro principal Chingakham Khulachandra, former minister Moirangthem Hemanta Singh, AIMS president Mayanglambam Khelendro Singh and director N Ratan Meetei, among other participants and volunteers.

Salaai Kanba Lup (SKL) Central Committee also observed the International Day of the World's Indigenous People 2025 on the theme "Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Shaping Futures" at the multipurpose community hall of Thoubal Achouba on Saturday.

The observance was attended by horticulture & soil conservation director K Debadutta Sharma as chief guest, SKL chairman Leichonbam Gopal as president and Waikhom Mani Girls' College associate professor Ningombam Tomba as guest of honour, with NIELIT Imphal executive director Dr Y Jayanta as resource person.

SKL general secretary L Kangleicha Kha Nganba also attended the observance.

As part of the observance, SKL honoured Ranjita Enterprises proprietor L Ranjita with an appreciation certificate for producing fibres from pineapple leaves and weaving a cloth from them for the first time in the state.

On the other hand, the Anthropology Department of South East Manipur College (SEMCO) Komlathabi observed the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples at the seminar hall of the college on Saturday.

The observance was attended by SEMCO Komlatha-bi vice-principal L Solomon Dangsawa as chairperson, Anthropology department head Dr Shanoi Moses Tarao as convenor, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) coordinator Dr Miranda Bembem Matuwa and Political Science department head Dr Sorokhaibam Haridas Singh as special guests.

During the observance, students presented cultural performances of their respective communities.

The Day was also observed by Kanglei Yelhou Cheingak at its head office in Sanskrit Tol, DMU campus, on Saturday, a release by its secretary Yumnam Ajitkumar informed.

According to the release, the observance was attended by Ningthoukhongjam Thanil and Salam Pravapati Devi as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.

The Indigenous People's Day was also observed by Manipur People's Party (MPP) at the conference hall of the party's office on Saturday.

According to a press release by MPP general secretary and media coordinator Arambam Karamjit Singh, the observance was attended by party president S Brojen Singh, working president (administration) M Sharat Singh, and working president (chief spokesperson and media coordinator) Dr S Ibomcha Singh as presidium members.

COCOMI convenor and human rights and indigenous people's rights activist Khuraijam Athouba also issued a press statement, extending his warmest greetings and solidarity to all indigenous people all over the world on the occasion of the Day.

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