How Can Northeast’s Indigenous People Unite for Their Rights?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Unity among indigenous communities is crucial for addressing regional issues.
- The government is urged to take more action for the indigenous population.
- Direct involvement of local leaders is essential for resolving ethnic crises.
- Debbarma demands stronger measures against illegal immigration.
- Electoral integrity is sought through revisions of electoral rolls.
Imphal/Agartala, Aug 9 (NationPress) The supremo of the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, called upon all indigenous communities in the Northeast to unite in order to address their demands, ethnic tensions, and various issues.
During his visit to Imphal, the capital of Manipur, for an event commemorating World Indigenous Day, Debbarma emphasized that while the Government of India has made significant strides, there remains a need for further action.
“National parties should refrain from politicizing the sentiments of the indigenous populace,” he stated to reporters.
He highlighted the necessity for unity between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups in Manipur, stressing that the current crisis in the state should be resolved by its own citizens.
“Those who lead the Northeastern region possess a deeper understanding of our local issues compared to those in Delhi,” he asserted.
“We must convey the challenges faced by the people of Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Sikkim to the leaders in Delhi. With a limited number of Lok Sabha seats, unity is essential,” he noted.
Debbarma pointed out that Delhi leaders seem more focused on developments in larger states like Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
He demanded the swift deportation of illegal migrants, questioning why the Indian government does not mirror the US’s actions of deporting Indians with handcuffs.
In the meantime, TMP has been actively protesting against illegal immigration in Tripura and has called for the immediate deportation of all illegal migrants.
A TMP delegation led by Debbarma approached the Election Commission of India in New Delhi, requesting a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Tripura, similar to the process currently being implemented in Bihar.
On Friday, TMP chief Debbarma convened with former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in Imphal to discuss various matters, including illegal immigration.
A senior BJP leader from Imphal revealed that several former ministers and leaders were present during the discussions between Singh and Debbarma at the latter’s residence.
“Both leaders deliberated on issues of illegal immigration and the developmental needs of the northeastern region, as well as the socio-economic circumstances of the indigenous tribes,” the BJP leader mentioned, preferring anonymity.