Newmai News Network Imphal | May 10 The so called “Tribal movement” against the three controversial bills came to end on the 618th day today following the signing of a 9-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Government of Manipur and the Joint Action Committee Against Anti Tribal Bills (JAC-AATB) at Mizo People Convention Office, Churachandpur in south Manipur. Following this development, Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed happiness and gratitude to those organizations and leaders involved resolving the issue. “The State Government of Manipur honours the sentiment of the tribal people of Manipur,” said the MoU. It was also agreed to perform “honourable burial” of the eight dead bodies by JAC-AATB on or before May 25. “In future, any new bill which affects the interest of indigenous tribal people, the State Government will follow due procedure as laid down in the Constitution of India and relevant rules in consultation with all stakeholders,” the MoU stated. The MoU recalled that the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India conveyed on May 11, 2016 to the State Government that the President of India withheld the “Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015”. “In respect of other two Bills, namely, The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (7th Amendment) Bill, 2015 and Manipur Shops and Establishments (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2015 are pending with the Government of India and any future course of action will be in consultation with stakeholders,” it added. The State Government in its MoU acknowledged the demands of the JAC-AATB regarding the administration of the indigenous tribal people of Manipur. The state Government “shall extend all possible help and cooperation in the tripartite talk with Suspension of Operation (SoO) groups where various other issues and interests of indigenous tribal people of Manipur will be protected,” it added. As per the MoU, ex-gratia of Rs. 5 lakhs and permanent employment will be awarded to the next of kin of dead persons on or before May 25, 2017. Compensation of Rs 50,000 will also be provided to the 48 injured persons on or before May 25, 2017. Government jobs will also be given to 8 persons who became “disabled” because of the incident along with compensation of Rs 2 lakhs each on or before May 25, 2017. The State Government will also provide financial assistance for establishment of a Memorial Park at Lamka and a Memorial Hall at Singnat. “The State Government acknowledges the demand for creation of a new district by the JAC-AATB for administrative convenience and better delivery of services to the people. This matter will be considered by the State Cabinet on submission of report by District Boundary Commission,” one of the points in the MoU said. The State Government will also ensure proper investigation on the incident of police firing and subsequent death of civilians and take up action as per law. Chief Convenor H Mangchinkhup led the JAC-AATB team while Manipur Chief Secretary, O Nabakishore led the State Government side. On August 31, 2015, the Manipur Assembly passed three bills which became contentious since then. The tribal people termed the bills “anti-tribal.” Nine protesters were killed and many injured when violence broke in Churachandpur district following passing of the bills. Of the nine bodies, eight remain in the Churachandpur District Hospital mortuary as a deadlock ensued.
