Our Correspondent
Imphal | March 18
The Churachandpur JAC today paid tribute to the nine ‘martyrs’ amidst a 15-hour total bandh in Churachandpur district and all Naga-dominated areas marking the 200th day of a sustained movement launched against three ‘anti-tribal’ Bills.
A grand function marked the day at YPA Hall, Lamka Ground where a mammoth gathering was present along with pastors and church elders. They released 200 flying lanterns as part of the event.
A gun salute was given to the nine martyrs on the occasion even as the district administration in a missive earlier intimated the Joint Action Committee against Tribal Bills to cancel the ‘customary gun salute.’
The committee insisted in defiance of the instruction given by the authority that the traditional gun salute was the highest form of respect shown to the departed tribal leaders.
Notably, the nine bodies are still lying unclaimed in the mortuary of Government Churachandpur District Hospital after they were killed in violent agitations erupted against the three ILP Bills on August 31 and September 1 last year.
The tribal people want withdrawal of the controversial Bills passed by the Manipur Assembly on August 31, 2015. They contend that these Bills intended to safeguard the indigenous people hurt their sentiment.
Leaders from the tribal communities of Manipur even launched campaigns in New Delhi against the Bills in their relentless efforts to draw attention of the Central leaders in this regard.
Meanwhile, a protest meeting held at Lamka Ground under the aegis of the Churachandpur JAC strongly condemned the Government of Manipur against its ‘adamant attitude’ towards the long-standing impasse over the ILP Bills.
Churachandpur and other Naga-dominated areas of the state were shut down due to the parallel bandhs called by the JAC and United Naga Council (UNC) since last midnight to register a protest against the state government and to observe the day as well.
Meanwhile, the UNC in a press release has stated that it will carry forward all forms of democratic movement with like-minded organizations to protect the rights of the indigenous people over its land, identity, culture and history. It has also appealed to the tribal public to remain alert against any anti tribal elements from within and outside attempting to sabotage “our common political objective”.
Expressing gratitude to tribe hohos, frontal and regional organizations, Church leaders, Village Chiefs and the public for extending support and co-operation to the 15 hour Total Shut Down and for honouring the 9 tribal martyrs.
