Anti-tribal bills JAC continues public consultation

Newmai News Network Imphal | March 28   After the new Manipur government under the initiative of Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh invited the Joint Action Committee JAC Against Anti-Tribal Bills (JAC-AATB) to a meeting, the Joint Action Committee continued its series of consultations with various sections of the tribal society.   On Tuesday, the JAC held a public consultation meeting at the Young Paite Association General Headquarters Hall, Hiangtam Lamka, Churachandpur district.   The ideas and suggestions collected through a series of consultations with different sections of the tribal society like the one held today shall be compiled and examined by the JAC, based on which the JAC shall prepare a charter of demands to be presented to the Government of Manipur, a resolution adopted in the meeting said.   The public noted their appreciation for the JAC in their unflinching fight for tribal self-determination in the 575-day old tribal movement and reaffirmed their support and endorsement of the JAC to lead the public till a solution is achieved.   On March 24, the JAC Against Anti-Tribal Bills said they were not in a position to attend a meeting arranged by the Manipur Chief Minister over the current agitation in the hills, saying they were in the process of holding a series of consultations with various sections of tribal society.  The JAC had said it deeply appreciated the interest shown by the new Manipur government headed by Nongthongbam Biren Singh to bring about an amicable solution to the nearly 600-day old agitation in the hills for tribal self-determination by inviting the JAC for a meeting with the Chief Minister on March 25.   The JAC had said that they were already in the process of conducting a series of consultations with various sections of the tribal society regarding the new government’s indication of commitment to solve the imbroglio, hence the JAC will not be in a position to attend the meeting as they are still in the process of consulting various tribal bodies and individuals. The JAC had also said they were committed to wrapping up the series of consultations to arrive at a consensus at the earliest and that they would inform the state government once they are done so that they can proceed with the meeting to bring about a cordial solution to the current impasse.