NEIPF calls for unity & identity of NE people

International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

‘Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination’

ARABINDA RABHA

Launched a book titled ‘Indigenous 2023’

The North East Indigenous Peoples’ Forum (NEIPF) celebrated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People with the theme on ‘Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination’ as per United Nations guideline at  the North Eastern Hill University campus on 9 August, 2023, where Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K. Sangma was the chief guest.

Conrad K. Sangma addressed the indigenous youth of the region and encouraged them to aim higher than the reservation system and to develop their skills and abilities to compete globally.

He also expressed his commitment to preserving the identity, roots and culture of the indigenous communities of the North East and said that his government is collaborating with the autonomous councils to document their traditions and heritage.

He acknowledged the challenges and issues faced by the diverse states of the region and hoped that such events and forums would help them overcome them and emerge stronger.

“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Manipur and I urge forums like NEIPF to intervene and facilitate a peaceful resolution that can address the needs of the affected communities,” he said.

He recommended that forums like the NEIPF, besides advocating for the critical issues of the indigenous people, should also research and document the indigenous knowledge and practices that have a lot to contribute to the world.

“This valuable knowledge should be transmitted to the younger generations and shared with the rest of the world,” he said.

Conrad K. Sangma , alongwith NEHU Vice Chancellor Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla , NEIPF Chairman Anup Chetia, NEIPF Secretary General N. Ibungochoubi, NEIPF Nagaland Chapter’s delegates Dr. Lima Jamir, editors of the book Anjan Sarma & Monikangkan Barooah, Host NEIPF Meghalaya Chapter’s representatives – launched a book titled ‘Indigenous 2023’ during the event.

Northeast Indigenous Peoples’ Forum (NEIPF) urged the people of the region to unite and safeguard their identity and culture from external threats. The forum highlighted the challenges faced by the indigenous communities in terms of land rights, migration, development and assimilation.

The forum also stressed the need for dialogue and cooperation among the different ethnic groups to preserve their diversity and heritage.

On the occasion of the International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Northeast Indigenous Peoples’ Forum and its chairman, Anup Chetia, urged all the indigenous communities of the region to join hands and safeguard their culture and identity from external influence.

Anup Chetia, who also goes by the name Golap Baruah, told the media that the northeast has a unique and diverse heritage that needs to be preserved and promoted. He said that this can only be achieved through unity and solidarity among all the indigenous groups in NEHU today.

Chetia, who was attending a programme to mark the International Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples at NEHU, told reporters that the northeast region has a distinct identity that should be preserved from outside interference. He said that this can only be done by fostering unity among all the communities living in the region.

He also commented on the situation in Manipur, where violence has erupted over the demand for a separate state. He said that they had planned to send a delegation to Imphal, but their secretary general advised them to postpone the visit due to various factors.

“Our Manipur chapter is working hard to bring peace in Manipur. We are also in constant touch with our friends from both the Meitei and Kuki communities,” he added.

Ms Tsibu Khro, from Nagaland and an advocate of Gauhati High Court said in her speech that ‘when I thought on the matter of preserving our culture, I tried to think about how this should be done, but no matter how I looked at it my initial solutions would perhaps not be the perfect fit for another tribe/communities what works for Naga might not work for Khasi or Mizo or Assamese or likewise, and so I realized I was relapsing into a similar thought that blankets all North Eastern ststes, communities, tribes, and individuals as a singular monolithic identity. Especially since we can differentiate amongst ourselves from the amount of salt added to our food, to the amount of lime added to our kwai’.

09-08-2023

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