Imphal, August 22 (NNN): Naga Political Leaders’ Forum Manipur (NPLFM) has said the state government’s “hasty decision” to introduce any bill aimed at safeguarding indigenous people’s interests is “highly questionable” in view of the unresolved plight of tribal people in Manipur.
“The intent of the state government is highly questionable. We want the government to resolve the issue pertaining to the ‘nine tribal martyrs’ before taking any such decision which lacks logic,” NPLFM secretary Athuan Abonmai told Newmai News Network on Monday.
The statement comes close on the heels of the state government’s preparation to introduce a fresh anti-migrant bill in the coming assembly session.
The Manipur Regulation of Non-Local People Bill, 2016 has come up after the earlier Protection of Manipur People (PMP) Bill, 2015 was rejected by the President in the backdrop of widespread protest staged by the tribal people.
Abonmai said, “Two bills have gone hibernated. The tribal people in the hills want cancellation of all the three anti-tribal bills while the government is bluffing all the way.”
He criticised Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam for his repeated statement in public that the “anti-tribal bills have been withdrawn.” The bills were passed in August last year.
The forum secretary said everybody will accept any agreeable bill but one step taken before settling the issue on killing of tribal people will bear no fruit. The nine bodies are still lying in the mortuary of Churachandpur District Hospital. They were killed by police during the protest that broke out in Churachandpur following the passing of the three bills.
Abonmai said the government should stop belittling the issue and the sacrifices made by the nine protesters for the cause of the tribal people. He suggested that the state government leave the entire responsibility to the Centre to ensure speedy justice to the ‘martyrs.’
“Their families and relatives are anxiously waiting for justice to be delivered. The government should understand our plight. All stakeholders will be ready for consultation only after the issue is addressed,” he said.
