NEIPF Conference in Dibrugarh Adopts Jokai Declaration!

NEIPF Conference in Dibrugarh Adopts Jokai Declaration, Calls for Indigenous Rights and Unity!

BIKRAMADITYA DUTTA KAKATI

Dibrugarh, March 22, 2025: The 3rd General Conference of the North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF), held in collaboration with the Indigenous Forum Assam, concluded today at Jokai Bon Koibartta Village, Dibrugarh, with a resounding call for unity and the protection of indigenous rights.

The event, which brought together delegates from across the northeastern states and representatives of various civil organizations, culminated in the adoption of the landmark “Jokai Declaration.”

This declaration serves as a unified stance against the challenges threatening the survival and identity of the region’s indigenous communities.

The conference was graced by Rajkumar Meghen, alias Sana Yaima (meaning “Precious Son”), a revered leader from Manipur, who attended as the Chief Guest.

In his address, Meghen urged the people of the Northeast to unite in addressing the region’s pressing issues and to work collectively toward building a new, prosperous Northeast.

“Our strength lies in our unity,” Meghen emphasized. “Only by standing together can we overcome the challenges that threaten our identity, our land, and our future. Let us rise above our differences and forge a path toward a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.“

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Meghen’s presence, added a profound sense of gravitas to the conference. His words resonated deeply with the delegates, who echoed his call for solidarity in the face of unchecked immigration, perceived government and corporate exploitation, and the erosion of indigenous cultures. His speech underscored the urgency of the issues at hand and the need for a collective response.

A highlight of the conference’s open session was the release of INDIGENOUS, the official mouthpiece and journal of the NEIPF and Indigenous Forum Assam. Edited by Anjan Sarma and Monikangkan Barooah, the journal was unveiled by Rajkumar Meghen , alongside newly elected NEIPF Chairman Anup Chetia, prominent leader Ponakan Barua, and other dignitaries.

The release of Indigenous marks a significant and transformative step in amplifying the voices of the region’s indigenous communities, offering them a vital platform to document their unique struggles, remarkable achievements, and heartfelt aspirations.

This initiative not only seeks to highlight the rich cultural heritage and traditions of these communities but also aims to shed light on the numerous challenges they face in today’s world, including issues related to land rights, environmental preservation, and social justice.

By providing a space for storytelling and sharing personal narratives, Indigenous empowers community members to articulate their experiences and perspectives, fostering greater understanding and appreciation among broader audiences.

Moreover, this platform serves as a crucial means of preserving indigenous languages and traditions, ensuring that future generations have access to their ancestral knowledge and cultural identity. The initiative encourages collaboration among indigenous leaders, artists, and activists, strengthening community bonds and promoting collective action toward common goals.

As a result, Indigenous not only elevates the voices of these communities but also contributes to a broader movement for recognition, respect, and rights for indigenous peoples globally. Through this endeavor, we can hope to inspire meaningful dialogue, foster solidarity, and ultimately pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive society that honors the contributions of indigenous cultures.

In a moment of pride and celebration, the North East Indigenous Peoples Forum (NEIPF) extended its heartfelt congratulations and felicitated Anjan Sarma, the esteemed Founder-Editor of Mahabahu, for being awarded the prestigious “Sahitya Akademi Award” for 2024.

Sarma was honored for his exceptional achievement in bringing the rich history of Kamrupa, to the forefront of national recognition. His tireless efforts in showcasing the cultural and historical significance of the region have not only enriched the narrative of Assam but have also brought honor and pride to the entire indigenous community.

The Jokai Declaration, unveiled during the conference, outlines a series of resolutions aimed at addressing the pressing issues faced by the Northeast’s indigenous populations. Among its key demands is a call for the people of the northeastern states to unite against unchecked immigration and what participants described as “predatory government and corporate aggression.”

The declaration emphasizes the need to protect the socio-cultural, economic, and political interdependence of the region’s diverse communities, urging state governments to enact protective laws and establish a dedicated Department of Indigenous Affairs.

Jokai Declaration

Article 1: To recommend the State chapters to create conditions for a harmonious co-existence among the people for genuine peace by transcending exclusive ideologies with the vision of inter-dependent existence of the indigenous people of the region.

Article 2: To secure the future generations of the indigenous people by documenting indigenous people’s disaggregated data base of indigenous people.

Article 3: To urge the Legislative Assemblies of all the North-Eastern states to deliberate upon the issues for safeguarding the rights and interests of the indigenous peoples of the region and enact a suitable law to open a Department on Indigenous Affairs.

Delegates expressed deep concern over the ongoing influx of immigrants, which they argue poses a significant threat to the survival of indigenous identities. Coupled with perceived exploitation by governmental and corporate entities, these challenges have galvanized the indigenous communities to take a collective stand. “This is about survival and unity,” said one delegate, encapsulating the conference’s resolve.

The Jokai Declaration positions itself as a roadmap for self-preservation, advocating for harmony beyond exclusive ideologies and the systematic documentation of indigenous peoples’ data to secure their future.

The conference also marked a transition in leadership, with the election of new NEIPF office bearers for the upcoming term. Anup Chetia was unanimously elected as Chairman, while N Ibungochoubi was appointed as Secretary General. Khehoto Swu, Yumlam Achung, and Dundee Cliff were elected as Vice-Chairmen, tasked with steering the forum’s mission forward. The newly elected leadership reaffirmed NEIPF’s commitment to fostering unity and addressing the region’s challenges through collaborative efforts.

One of the flagship demands of the Jokai Declaration is the establishment of a Department of Indigenous Affairs, envisioned as a centralized body to institutionalize the protection of indigenous rights and interests across the Northeast. This demand reflects the forum’s broader push for legislative and societal change, aiming to address long-standing concerns in one of India’s most culturally rich yet complex regions.

The 3rd NEIPF General Conference has been hailed as a significant step in amplifying the voices of the region’s indigenous populations. With the Jokai Declaration poised to shape the discourse on their future, the release of Indigenous providing a vital platform for advocacy, the forum’s renewed efforts signal a pivotal moment in the fight for indigenous rights and unity in the Northeast.

As the newly elected leadership takes charge, the region watches with anticipation, hopeful for a future that honors its diverse heritage and secures the rights of its indigenous communities.

23-03-2025

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