Newmai News Network
Imphal | May 16
A Joint Action Committee (JAC) began a 48-hour total shutdown from midnight of May 16 in the tribal areas of Manipur to protest against the hard-pressed Manipur government for allegedly failing to relieve the plight of the tribal people. The strike is backed by the United Naga Council (UNC) and Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF).
At the same time, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has called for a state wide shutdown on May 17 beginning 6:00am to register protest against the Manipur government for failing to fulfill their charter of demands.
Last Monday, the state government decided to depute an all-party delegation to persuade the central leaders to implement three bills, which the government says aim to protect the interests of all indigenous communities in Manipur.
The passing of the bills on August 31 last sparked controversy which subsequently led to violent protests in Churachandpur district where nine protesters were killed when they confronted armed police.
The three bills are currently pending with the President awaiting his assent. The all-party delegation was supposed to leave for New Delhi today, but it was cancelled. Sources informed that the delegation is seeking appointment from the President, Prime Minister and Home Minister before heading for the national capital.
Earlier, it was announced that the all-party delegation would visit New Delhi on May 16. Sources said the delegation is likely to leave Manipur in two-three days.
The Churachandpur JAC called the strike in the wake of the state government’s alleged allegiance shown towards the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS).
The UNC has criticized the Manipur government’s decision to approach the centre on the ILP issue. It announced to endorse the 48-hour total shutdown. The Naga body said the passing of the bills has further divided the tribals and valley people.
The Mizo People’s Convention (MPC) has meanwhile condemned the resolution of the May 9 meeting of the All Political Parties chaired by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.
The decision of the All Political Parties came following mounting pressure from JCILPS. The committee said the All Political Parties should impress upon the Centre to implement the three bills before the ensuing polls to the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) scheduled to be held on June 2. It threatened to boycott the polls if the pressing demand was not fulfilled.
The Naga Political Leaders Forum Manipur argued that the Protection of Manipur Peoples (PMP) Bill, 2015, which is supposed to be based on National Registration of Citizens, 1951, Census Report 1951 and the Village Directory 1951 for defection of migrants for determining indigenous people, are found to be invalid documents for the purpose (according to Assistant Director of Ministry of Home Affairs, Directorate of Census Operations, Manipur).
Besides the ILP issue, Manipur is facing a slew of problems like the demand of Scheduled Tribe status for the majority Meitei community, which has apparently caused a rift between various social organisations.
