International day of World’s indigenous people observed in Manipur

Universal News Agency

Imphal Aug 9: International day of World’s Indigenous Peoples was Friday in Manipur as in other parts of the globe. On December 23rd 1994, Unite Nations had announced that August 9th will be observed as International day of World’s indigenous people to save the indigenous community from extinction. The UN declaration is supported by 114 countries. To mark the day, Student wing of Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System in Manipur organized a cycle rally. The rally was flagged from Nambol higher Secondary ground. The cycle rally team was however denied to proceed by the police at Kwakeithel Check post. After producing a permit to conduct a rally, the cyclists were allowed to pass through. The rally team passed through Singjamei bazaar, Yaiskul, Wahengbam Leikai, Khuyathong, Chingmeirong finally culminating at Hafta Kangjeibung where a public meeting was held. Various placards were also displayed with slogans like” Implement Inner Line Permit system in Manipur”. Convenor of the joint committee M Angamba said there is fear of indigenous people of Manipur being wiped out. To save the indigenous people it is necessary to implement ILP in the state. The day was also observed by the Centre for organization Research and Education (CORE) along with several other Indigenous peoples’ organizations of Manipur under the theme “Indigenous Peoples building alliances: Honouring treaties, agreements and other constructive arrangements”.

Dr Immanuel Varte, executive director of CORE said that the organisation is concerned regarding the role of state in honouring the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN DRIP) 2007 in letter and spirit, and that the State must ensure that there are corresponding domestic laws in regards to treaties,  agreements and related conventions to protect and promote human rights. CORE also urged the State to enhance the dignity of life without fear of reprisal from state and non-state interference by removing regressive legislations such as Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, Disturbed Area Act, National Security Act, etc, that are more often than not, instruments to blatantly deprive indigenous peoples of

every last strain of dignified and peaceful existence. On the occasion, an organization christened as Indigenous Minorities Organization Manipur was formed with an aim to protect and grow all small minorities groups inhabiting in Manipur. Khupler Kom, Bapui Purum and Rengson Thanga were respectively

president, vice president and general secretary of the newly floated organization. A recognition ceremony for the newly formed organization was held its office located at Pureiromba Khongnangkhong today. Various leaders of many reputed organizations of the state were also present on the occasion. Those who spoke on the occasion has assured to extend all possible help to the newly set up organization in its effort to save and

protect indigenous minorities of the state and in protecting territorial integrity of the state. Momon of Chingmee Tammee Nupi Lup said it is very encouraging to learn about emergence of a new organization for protection of indigenous minorities of the state. Maintaining that all possible help will be extended to the

organization she further said that we should be well aware of the fact that India Govt is trying to break and divide unity and integrity of various minority groups in the state. She also urged minorities to take a leading role in various important issues of the state.