NEIPF discusses key issues; resolves to focus on youth-based programs

Itanagar, October 11 (MExN): A wide range of issues concerning the indigenous people of the entire North-Eastern Region were deliberated at the Executive Meeting of North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF) held in Itanagar on October 11. 

As per a press release from the forum, following up on the theme of the World Indigenous Day, the meeting resolved to emphasise on youth based programmes in the region premised on ‘Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change.’

Realising the need for the involvement of youths, the NEIPF decided to strengthened the State Chapters and take up initiatives to focus on ‘Climate Action and Green Transition for Justice’, ‘Mobilising for Justice’ and ‘Intergenerational Connection,’ Dr T Lima Jamir, Vice Chairman, NEIPF stated in the press release.

As an initiative, the NEIPF will organise essay writing competition and intellectual curriculum for students and youths to create awareness among the indigenous people to own up the responsibilities to protect and preserve the traditional values, it added. Sharing serious concerns regarding the impact on the environment of the region, the NEIPF appealed all the indigenous people to ensure the preservation of traditional values. The meeting also expressed serious concerns of the new trends of poppy cultivations, which threatens the younger generation’s behavioural changes and substance abuse.

While stressing on strengthening the state Chapters, the Executive Meeting resolved to communicate to all the stakeholders to engage the indigenous people in exchange of ideas and resolving inter state boundaries.

Speaking to the media persons after the meeting, the spokesperson and Secretary General of NEIPF, N Ibungochoubi stated that the Forum is concerned and disturbed by the socio-political development in the region affecting normal lives of the people.

He further informed that in a follow up the ‘Diphupar Declaration’ made last year in Nagaland, the preparations for the documentations of the indigenous people region is in progress and the NEIPF will seek assistance and advice from academics scholars and educational institutions.

The Executive Meeting discussed at length on the turmoil in Manipur and resolved to submit a memorandum to the ‘Three Member Committee to probe the Manipur Violence’, he said.

As a part of the Executive Meeting, NEIPF Chairman, Anup Chetia launched Itanagar Today, a monthly publication and Mahabahu issue on Climate Change. 
He informed that views of the members expressing concerns regarding the impact on the recent trends of cultivation of harmful substances, including poppy plants in the region is alarming and calls for an awakening among the indigenous people of the region.

While thanking all representatives of the states who have taken keen interest in encouraging and taking part in the Executive Meeting, he said that the Forum’s initiatives will be aimed at building a strong base of indigenous youths who will safeguard and preserve rich values of the region.