Northeast tribal are left behind in all spheres asserts Jitendra

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Nov 26

The tribal in the Northeast region are left behind and are neglected in all spheres. Even after more than 70 years of Indian independence, conflict in the area is raising, said Lok Sabha MP from Tripura, and the chief whip of CPI (M), Jitendra Chaudhury.

The MP was delivering keynote address at the talk cum panel discussion on ‘Democratic Space & Economic Development of the North Eastern Tribals’, organised by Tribal Youth Development Foundation, at St. Joseph College, Ukhrul, asserts for democratic space for the tribal of northeast India.

Speaking at the meet, Jitendra Chaudhury stated that the Northeastern region represents a total land mass of 8 percent and a population of 4 percent, in India. That, according to 2011 census report, Northeast region have the highest literacy percentage and has the most availability of land, but it is yet to be explored and put into use, he added.

Economic development and a democratic space for the minority tribal of the Northeastern region is the need of the hour, the MP pointed out.

He also expressed that the Northeast has enormous space to improve and develop. The scenic beauty and natural resources of the Northeast region which nature has bestowed have not been promoted and are yet to be fully utilised, he continued.

Furthermore, he exalted the region as having a massive prospect for hydropower projects, besides the potential to generate surplus horticulture and agro-based product, which could be exported to the rest of the country. He also added that in the field of tourism, medicare and sports, the Northeastern region could be a powerhouse, provided that the area is equipped with all the necessary infrastructure.

Jitendra also asserted that a democratic space is needed for the Northeast tribal, for them to shine and excel in various fields. He questioned whether the rights, lands and autonomy of the indigenous peoples are ensured and safeguarded. Moreover, due to the minimal representation tribal in the parliament, they are always at the receiving end, he remarked.

In light of all these situations, he opined that there is a need for a common platform for all tribal-dalit leaders, in order to promote their culture and build a better relationship amongst them. Northeast MPs should bring tribal leaders together from various political parties towards a common cause, he opined.

Executive member, ADC-Ukhrul, Khayinghor Valui, one of the panellists, also remarked that the hill districts of Manipur are at the mercy of Manipur government. That the present district councils are empowered neither under the 5th Schedule nor the 6th Schedule of the Indian constitution, he added.

In the said panel discussion, president ATSUM, Ayo Shatsang, also remarked that due to varying aspirations, the tribal of Manipur are not able to come together and function under one platform.

He further elucidated that there is no democratic space in Manipur as the tribal do not have a say. Tribal representation of elected members are not followed on the basis of the population neither the 31 percent reservation for tribal in Manipur University been fully implemented, he added.

General secretary of Siamsinpawpi, Lamka, Nagmuangsang Lethil,  who is also one of the panellists implored that the tribal in Northeast India must unite and fight together for a democratic space. He lamented that the 3 ‘anti-tribal bills’ had killed the aspiration of many youths in Lamka, and it will take a long time for their people to heal, even though the 3 bills have been laid to rest.

Chairman TYDF, Lakpachui Siro informed that the Tribal Youth Development Foundation intends to organise a ‘Tribal Carnival’ in 2018, with the aim of providing a platform where tribal from Northeast India can come together and strive for their aspirations.