Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the rights, respect, and land ownership of the indigenous people in the state during the inaugural ceremony of the Manipur Indigenous People Cultural Exchange Festival on Friday. The event took place in Chadong village, Kamjong district, under the theme “Manipur United by Diversity.”
Speaking at the festival, Singh emphasized the need for “constitutional protection” for indigenous communities, asserting that the land of the indigenous people has been safeguarded for over 2,000 years, long before the arrival of modern weaponry. He said, “Our land was safeguarded by spear and swords in the history of more than 2,000 years, and guns arrived only after the British came.”
The chief minister also expressed concern over the demographic changes impacting the state, stating that the indigenous communities are under threat. He reiterated his belief that understanding and preserving the cultural legacy of these communities is vital, stating, “Understanding the indigenous communities is the need of the hour.”
Singh highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the rights of indigenous people, noting, “We will succeed in our endeavour to ensure the rights, respect, ownership of land, and authority of the indigenous people.”
As part of these efforts, Singh announced the development of a Rs 6 crore indigenous ethnic cultural centre in Makhel village, which is considered the origin of the indigenous people. He also emphasized the importance of his “Go to Hills” campaign, which he initiated to promote understanding of the shared cultural and historical legacy among the people of Manipur. Singh said, “Several historical sites have been developed under this initiative.”
The festival, organized by the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum with government support, was an effort to foster unity, according to the CM. Singh also urged critics of the government to assess the demographic changes and population records before voicing their concerns, adding, “Please study why there is a massive rise in population among one community and not in other communities.”
Addressing the issue of land protection, Singh called for unity among all recognized tribes in the state to safeguard their heritage. He said, “Mere gossip cannot save land and indigenous people.” He further assured that the government would continue its fight for constitutional protection for indigenous communities.
In his speech, Singh also commended the efforts of the Assam Rifles and Ukhrul district SP for destroying over 100 acres of illegal poppy cultivation in Ukhrul and Kangpokpi areas. He stressed that the government’s war on drugs would continue as part of its commitment to protecting the youth of the state.
The CM also acknowledged the challenges faced by the people of Chadong village, who were displaced due to the construction of a dam, but assured that the project had opened up new opportunities for livelihood through fisheries and tourism.
Singh wished the people of Manipur a peaceful Christmas and called for harmony in the state. He also pointed to the importance of the festival in restoring peace and normalcy, reiterating, “Manipur belongs to its indigenous people, and our forefathers defended this land for more than 2,000 years.” (With inputs from PTI)