International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 10 2025: Joining the rest of the world, the Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur in collaboration with Legal Aid Clinic, Nungbrung celebrated the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples at Ngamukhong, Nungbrung village in Imphal East district yesterday.

As per a release issued by Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur, the celebration was held under the theme, "Advancing Indigenous Peoples Sustainable Development, Climate Justice & Human Rights in Manipur" .

Speaking on the occasion, Jiten Yumnam, secretary, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur, said that unsustainable development processes undermine indigenous peoples' relationship with their land, violate their human rights, harm the environment and the climate and fostered multifaceted conflict.

"Large dams and mono cultivation, like palm oil plantations, are promoted as solutions to climate change.

Creation of Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary has been promoted without taking indigenous peoples consent", he added.

Victor Thoudam, Director, Akhoka Theater, said, "Rivers, land and forest are life for indigenous peoples.

Any intervention on rivers should uphold the indigenous culture, livelihood, spiritual connection and the human rights of indigenous peoples of Manipur" .

Indigenous representatives affected by dam building and conflict situations also shared their experiences.

During the event, the participants called for unity among the indigenous peoples of Manipur to protect the land, forest, rivers and the natural resources of Manipur.

The participants also appealed to the authorities concerned to rethink the construction of large dams over rivers of Manipur, to stop pursuing palm oil plantation and to uphold indigenous peoples' self-determined development.

Performance of a scene from "Aboriginal Cry" by Akhoka Theatre, Manipur; screening of documentary films "Dams and Discontent in Manipur" and "Downstream Impacts of Mapithel Dam" were the main highlights of the celebration.

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