Imphal: The Executive Meeting of the North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF) hosted by the Arunachal Pradesh Chapter was held today at Hotel Benjamin, Papu Nallah, Itanagar.
The Meeting discussed a wide range of issues concerning the indigenous people of the entire North Easter Region. Following up the theme of the World Indigenous Day, the meeting resolved to emphasize on youth based programmes in the region premised on ‘Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change.’
Realizing the need for the involvement of youths, the NEIPF will strengthen the State Chapters and take up initiatives to focus on ‘Climate action and Green Transition for Justice’, ‘Mobilising for Justice’ and ‘Intergenerational Connection’.
As an initiative, the NEIPF will organise Essay Writing Competition and intellectual curriculum for students and Youths to create an awareness among the indigenous people to own up the responsibilities to protect and preserve the traditional values.
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 generations behavioural changes and substance abuse.
While stressing on strengthening the state Chapters, the Executive Meeting resolved to communicate to all the stake holders 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 the North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF) N Ibungochoubi stated that the Forum is concerned and disturbed by the socio-political development in the region, which has affected normal lives of the people.
He said that the Forum will follow up the Diphupar Declaration, the resolve of the meeting held in Nagaland last year. He informed that 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 we have resolved to subt a Memorandum to the ‘Three Member Committee to probe the Manipur Violence’, he said.
As a part of the Executive Meeting, Chairman of the NEIPF, Anup Chetia launched Itanagar Today, a monthly publication and Mahabahu issue on Climate Change. He said that the views of the members expressing concerns regarding the impact on the recent trends of cultivation of harmful substances, including poppy plants in the north eastern region is alarming and calls for an awakening among the indigenous people of the region.
“We take serious note as the younger generation will be affected by the trends and appeal all to indigenous people to understand the irreparable damage done to the future generations of the region,” Anup Chetia said.
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.
