Call for unity rings loud on Indigenous Peoples Day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 09 2025: Yelhoumee Phurup observed the International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples at the premises of the Manipur State Film Development Society (MSFDS), Imphal today.

While the international theme of the day is "Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence: Defending Rights, Shaping Future", Yelhoumee Phurup celebrated the indigenous peoples day under the theme "Unity through cultural confluence & shared progress".

Cultural activist Mutua Bahadur, renowned folk artist Mangka Mayanglambam, civil rights activists Bina-lakshmi Nepram, renowned folk singer Guru Rewben Mashangva and Likla founder Joykumar Thangjam attended the observance, among others.

Speaking at the event, Mutua Bahadur stressed on the importance of preserving indigenous culture, tangible and intangible heritage.

He said much of the tangible as well as intangible heritage of the indigenous people of Manipur have become endangered and extinct.

Preserving the cultural heritage is of utmost importance for the indigenous people to survive, grow and maintain their identities, Bahadur said.

He urged the Government to do the needful to protect the indigenous people, their culture and identity.

Binalakshmi Nepram asserted that the indigenous people must remain vigilant and united.

"Every indigenous person matters.

80 percent of wars in the world right now are occurring in biodiversity hotspots where indigenous people reside.

Therefore, we have to stand vigilant and united," she said.

Ch Lamjachao, popularly known as Tarao Oja, said the indigenous tribes residing in Manipur are of the same family.

"The indigenous people who have now been differentiated into many tribes are descendants of three siblings.

Even though we follow different religions, cultures and traditions, we are one.

Let us all work together to safeguard our history, culture and traditions," Lamjachao said.

Guru Rewben exhorted that the indigenous people should strive sincerely to grow.

"Peace will come automatically when we focus on our own growth," he said.

Dr Koningthung of the Moyon tribe said "western education and indigenous knowledge should be balanced" .

"We are a society based on unity and values which western education system does not impart fully," Koningthung said.

Yelhoumee Phurup secretary, RK Bijayalaxmi said the organisation believes in democratization of inter-ethnic relations, and shared development & growth.

"The coming together of the indigenous peoples is not a choice, but a historical necessity to defend ourselves from multi-layered challenges - like lack of social trust, underdevelopment, and poor political culture," she said in a statement.

"Before it gets too late, the indigenous peoples must reckon with the new challenges.

We must not forget that the hills and valleys have been interdependent, and their journeys have been equally resilient.

Unity of the Yelhoumees - the indigenous is the key, hope and future," Bijayalaxmi said.

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