Tripura MP to raise Manipur issue
By Ninglun Hanghal
NEW DELHI, Nov 28: Lok Sabha MP Jitendra Chowdhury (CPI-M), from Tripura East constituency on Friday gave his assurance to support the movement for withdrawal of the three Bills and demand for an alternative arrangement for administration of Tribal hill areas of Manipur. He assured that he will raise the issue in the Parliament.
Jitendra Chowdhury on Friday personally visited the protesters at Jantar Mantar, where an indefinite protest demanding the withdrawal of the three Bills, passed by the Manipur Assembly on Aug 31, is being held by Manipur tribals under the aegis of Manipur Tribal Forum, Delhi (MTFD).
Chowdhury categorically said that one of the reason for continued unrest in Manipur hills is the failure of the State Government.
While citing the case of Tripura, the Parliamentarian said that the tribal hill areas should come under 6th Schedule and that the District Councils must be strengthened and empowered.
Speaking further about tribal issues at large, the Parliamentarian stated that the failure of proper policy formulation and policy implementation by successive Union Governments ever since India's independence is the major factor of many unrest across the country, specially in tribal areas of Northeast, East and Central India.
As the indefinite protest continues with constant lobbying with political parties, several MPs from various States are expected to be personally visiting and meeting the protesters. With the Parliament session beginning, the Tribal Forum is likely to scale up their protest against the Bills and demand for separate administration to a higher pitch.
It has been 25 days now that the tribals from Manipur have been holding an indefinite sit in demonstration with a symbolic 9 coffins in New Delhi for withdrawal of the three controversial Bills and demanding for separate administration for the tribal hill areas.
Presentation of songs, motivational speech delivered by elders, scholars, eminent persons, both from Manipur and elsewhere marked the demonstration that lasted about 3-4 hours daily.
A photo exhibition and video shows were also presented.
Numerous supports and solidarity have also poured in like from the JNU students, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), India Indigenous Forum, the Naga People's Movement for Human Rights and other tribal traditional bodies based in New Delhi and elsewhere.
In the run up to the Parliament Winter Session, that kick started on Nov 26, the Manipur Tribals Forum Delhi has been lobbying with several political party leaders including the BJP, Congress, NCP, CPI, besides all the MPs from North East States.
MTFD said that the Forum has also met outer Manipur Parliament member Thangso Baite and had appealed him to table the three controversial Bills in the Parliament session for their withdrawal.
Reportedly, Lok Sabha MP from Nagaland Neiphiu Rio, LS MP from Meghalaya PA Sangma have assured the MTFD that the issue of Manipur hill areas will be raised in the Parliament.