OMTF reviews 'boycott' decision
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, August 10 2016:
The Outer Manipur Tribals Forum (OMTF) has reviewed its earlier decision of 'abstaining' from participation in Independence Day celebration following a request from the Governor of Manipur.
"The Honourable Governor was very receptive and understood the problems and concern of the tribal leaders who expressed the grievances and sufferings of the tribal people in Manipur" and so, taking into confidence the commitment and assurance of the Governor to "immediately take appropriate action" with regard to the issue, the Outer Manipur Tribals' Forum (OMTF) reviewed its earlier resolution and accordingly decided to respect the request made by the Governor "in good faith".
On August 6, the delegation of the Outer Manipur Tribals' Forum (OMTF) met V Shamuganathan, the Governor of Manipur at Raj Bhavan, Imphal and apprised him of the issues relating to the three "anti-tribal" Bills and the mortal remains of the 9 'tribal martyrs' .
The delegation also explained to him Resolution No 5 of the joint meeting of Outer Manipur Tribals' Forum (OMTF) held on July 18 resolving that all tribals in "Manipur shall abstain" from participating in the upcoming Independence Day celebrations due to the indifferent attitude of the Union Government as well as the State Government.
According to OMTF, the Governor urged the delegation not to abstain from Independence Day celebration and assured that he will do everything within his capacity to expedite the decision of the President of India not to give assent to the two pending 'anti-tribal Bills,' viz., The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Manipur Shops and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 .
In view of the assurance made by the Governor, the Outer Manipur Tribals' Forum (OMTF) and the Joint Action Committe Against Anti-Tribal Bills (JACAATB) expressed their profound gratitude to the Governor.