JOINT DECLARATION
1st September, 2015
The Joint sitting of Kuki Innpi, Churachandpur (KIC), Hmar Innpui, Zomi Council and the respective frontal organization jointly chaired by UPF and KNO representatives deliberately on the issues confronting Tribal Peoples of Manipur state and herby unanimously adopted the following resolutions:
1. Condemned the three Bills passed by Manipur Assembly on 31st August 2015 viz (i) The Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015 (ii)The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (seventh admendment 2015) (iii) The Manipur shop and establishments (Second admendment 2015). The Bills are viewed as Anti Tribals which impinged on the traditional Tribal Rights and Land Ownership system. The baseline for identification of 'People of Manipur' being fixed at 1951 is a 'mockery of historical facts'. The manner in which the said Hills are being bulldozed and passed 'unanimously' without any discussion or debate on the floor of the house is undemocractic and unparliamentary.
2. The Hill Areas Committee (HAC) should at the earlist convene a meeting and take appropriate steps to either repeal the Bills or insert exceptional clause in the Bills within 10 days.
3. The incident which occurred in different parts of Hills district since 31st August 2015 are unfortunate and should not be taken along communal lines. It further appeals to all sections of the society to desist from all forms of violent methods.
4. The gathering expressed its deep sorrow and condolences to the precious lives being lost for the cause of the Tribals. It also condemned the security personnel responsible for causing death and injury. The meeting resolved that appropriate ex-gratia should be given to the deceased and compensation to those injured aand all properties loss/destroyed.
5. The current imbroglio is a manifestation of the age-old political grievances of the Tribals in Manipur. To this extent the gathering resolved that the Union Government should immediately intervene to find permanent political solution for the tribals of Manipur.
Sd/-
President/Gen Secretary
Kuki Innpi, Churachandpur
Zomi Council
Hmar Innpui
