IT News
New Delhi, Nov 28:
The Meetei/Meitei Tribe Union (MTU) and the Platform for Protection of Indigenous People (PPIP) are set to organize a “One Day Convention on Protection of Indigenous People of Manipur” on November 30 at 11:00 a.m. at Hotel Imphal. The event is being held under the initiative of the Adivasi Samanvay Manch of India, a forum advocating for the rights of indigenous communities across the country. The Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Th. Satyabrata, will attend as the chief guest.
The convention aims to address critical issues concerning the protection of indigenous tribal rights in India, with a special focus on identity, land rights, cultural heritage, and political and economic freedoms. Representatives from various tribal organizations across India, as well as local tribal groups from Manipur, are expected to participate in the event. The gathering will discuss strategies to strengthen constitutional safeguards for indigenous groups, including the Meetei/Meitei, and will explore ways to collectively preserve their heritage and secure their rights.
This event follows the participation of the Meetei Tribe Union and the Platform for Protection of Indigenous People in a tribal convention organized by the Adivasi Samanvay Manch of India in September, held in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. During the event, they highlighted several issues faced by the Meetei community of Manipur, including political, socio-economic, cultural, and land ownership challenges. Building on this experience, the decision was made to host a similar convention in Imphal to bring greater attention to the rights and struggles of indigenous communities in the northeastern region.
The convention in Imphal is intended to serve as a platform for dialogue and mutual support, uniting indigenous communities to address their challenges collectively and advocate for constitutional protections and equitable development. Tribal communities in India, particularly in the northeastern states, have historically faced marginalization and denial of their rights, often struggling with issues related to land rights and political autonomy.
The ongoing fight for recognition and justice for indigenous rights is part of a broader narrative of resistance against colonial and post-colonial oppression. The late Bhagat Singh’s words, “The struggle for freedom is not over! The British rule must end, and our fight must continue,” still resonate with those advocating for the rights of India’s indigenous communities, including the Meetei people.
Since Manipur’s merger with India in 1949, the Meetei community has struggled to secure constitutional recognition and protection for their rights. Despite being a significant part of India’s demographic and cultural landscape, the Meetei have been denied the same recognition and protections that other indigenous groups enjoy. Their struggle is marked by a lack of political empowerment, which has led to their marginalization, both within Manipur and in the broader Indian political framework.
The Meetei community continues to fight for legal protections, land rights, and cultural preservation. The complexities of navigating state and national politics have made their efforts more challenging. Despite the constitutional promises of democracy and equal rights, indigenous groups in India, including the Meetei, continue to face significant hurdles in securing their rights, identity, and place within Indian society.
