JOINT ACTION COMMITTEE
AGAINST ANTI-TRIBAL BILLS
Note of Appreciation
Lamka, June 10, 2016
The Joint Action Committee Against Anti-Tribal Bills (MC) would like to extend its sincere gratitude to the general public from across the Hill Areas of Manipur for observing the 24-hour Total Shutdown jointly called by the JAC and the Outer Manipur Tribals' Forum (OTMF) an apex body of the Hmar Inpui. Thadou Inpi, Mizo People Convention, United Naga Council and Zomi Council.
The JAC would like to emphasize the notable contributions made by various groups in the Total Shutdown. In Lamka, the JAC would like to thank members of the All Tribal Movement Lamka (ATML), the Singtangmite Group and the All Manipur Tribal Women Union (AMTWU) and various like-minded groups and individuals who tirelessly volunteered and ensured a peaceful Shutdown. The JAC also deeply appreciates the laudable efforts of the Singngat Area JAC Against Anti-Tribal Bills in Singngat and the JAC Jiribam in Jiribam area. the remarkable initiatives taken by the Thadou Women Union and the Thadou Students' Association in Sedar Hills, as well as the noteworthy efforts of various organizations under the United Naga Council in Tamenglong. Senapati, Ukhrul and Clandel. [Transcript by Virthli]
It is through our collective efforts and commitment that the Tribal Movement progresses with unity and understanding. The upcoming economic blockade for 10 consecutive days starting from midnight of June 9 to the midnight of June 19, 2016 is another step in putting a united light for our cause and to cordially move together in our collective light for tribal rights and identity. With the President of India withholding assent to the protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015 and the two other bills, viz.. the Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms, Seventh Amendment, Bill, 2015 and the Manipur Shops & Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill, 2015 being examined by experts, and the nine Tribal Martyrs still awaiting justice and an honourable burial, the fight against these anti-tribal bills is far from over. [Transcript by Virthli]
Besides these, the impending demands of the dominant Meitei community to veil the three anti-tribal bills through the Manipur Population Commission, the Manipur Land Reforms Commission and the demand for inclusion of Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe list is a fortfication and fool proof step for implementing the intent of the three anti-tribal bills that currently faces scrutiny.
Hence, such demands by the dominant Meitei community to undermine the tribal people shall be opposed at all cost.
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