Imphal, August 24 (MExN): The Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur (CRAM) has urged the Government of Manipur to undertake comprehensive approach to ensure the rightful participation of all indigenous peoples of Manipur in formulating a policy or bill towards protecting the rights of the State's indigenous peoples and in regulating the entry or exit of non-indigenous populations in Manipur.
In a press release issued by its President, CRAM expressed concern with the Government’s reliance only on electronic means of receiving comments for the new proposed policy, the Manipur Regulation of Non – Local People Act, 2016. “It is also extremely important to insist on other means and ways to seek wider inputs of peoples,” it stated. Moreover, it highlighted, internet is inaccessible in interior areas of Manipur.
CRAM asserted that the Government should organize consultations at district headquarters with representatives and leaders of all communities. “The need for a wider consultation and involvement of indigenous communities in policy framing is critical for a multi-ethnic community like Manipur, with myriad wishes and aspirations,” it added.
CRAM also affirmed importance of assessing the key causative factors and reasons of massive influx of non indigenous population in Manipur and also to respond to such factors. “Introduction of mega-dams, oil exploration, mining, tourism, railways, road projects and others infrastructure in the state will also contribute in disturbing the indigenous demography in the state, as non-indigenous peoples are relied for such massive development works,” CRAM said.
