Groups endorse observation of Raising Day for Indigenous People on May 3
Source: The Sangai Express
Bishnupur, April 28 2024:
Endorsing the observance of May 3 as Raising Day for Indigenous People (Yelhoumee Mikap Thokpa Numit), Apunba Meitei Ema Lup (AMELUP) and Village Volunteer Force (VVF) Manipur have made a widespread appeal to all to observe the day.
A statement issued by L Rebati Devi, convenor, AMELUP highlighted the atrocities inflicted on the Meetei community since the eruption of violence on May 3 where the indigenous people were driven out from their ancestral land and properties and left to live in relief camps.
Stating that the basis of the conflict is to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur, AMELUP added that the brave Meetei men and women who lost their lives in the conflict will be immortalized in the annals of history.
Thus, AMELUP has endorsed Meetei Resurgence Forum's (MReF) appeal to observe Raising Day for Indigenous People on May 3 with the offering of floral tributes.
Voicing similar sentiments, VVF Manipur stated that the incidents of May 3, 2023 had awakened the indigenous Meetei community to the designs of demographic invasion allegedly perpetrated by outsiders.
Thus VVF Manipur has urged the leading CSOs of the State to observe May 3 as Raising Day for Indigenous People.
The VVF Manipur statement issued by Kh Ibungobi Singh, secretary, also pointed out several alleged instances of 'demographic invasion" including the declaration of sacred Koubru and Thangjing hills as another community's "ancestral land", widespread deforestation for poppy cultivation and encroachment of Reserved and Protected Forests, wildlife sanctuaries and wetlands.