Newmai News Network
Senapati | August 10
The Outer Manipur Tribals Forum (OMTF) has reviewed its earlier decision of 'abstaining' from Independence Day celebration following a request from the Manipur Governor.
On August 6, the delegation of the Outer Manipur Tribals’ Forum (OMTF) met V. Shamuganathan, the Governor of Manipur at Raj Bhavan, Imphal and apprised him of the issues relating to the three "anti-tribal" bills and the mortal remains of the 9 tribal martyrs. The delegation also explained to him the Resolution No 5 of the joint meeting of OMTF held on July 18 resolving that all tribals in Manipur shall abstain from participating in the upcoming Independence Day celebrations due to the “indifferent attitude” of the Union Government as well as the State Government.
According to OMTF, the Governor urged the delegation not to abstain from the Independence Day celebration and assured that he will do everything within his capacity to expedite the decision of the President of India not to give assent to the two pending “anti-tribal” bills - The Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the Manipur Shops and Establishment (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015.
In view of the assurance made by the Governor, the OMTF and the Joint Action Committe Against Anti-Tribal Bills (JACAATB) expressed their gratitude to the Governor. Accordingly, a joint meeting was convened on August 7 at Lamka, the OMTF stated.
