International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples observed across Northeast states

EM Bureau
Dimapur/ Diphu, Aug. 9 (EMN): With the rest of the world, the Northeastern region also celebrated the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9.

 It may be mentioned that on September 13, 2007 the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) was adopted by the general assembly of the UNO for protection of the political, social and economic rights of indigenous people around the world. Likewise, the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed every year on August 9. This year it was celebrated on the theme “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the cell for a new social contract”.

SJU, Nagaland: The department of History, St. Joseph University celebrated the ‘International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples’ virtually on the theme, “Leaving no one behind: Indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract”.

An update informed that the speaker, Khekato Zhimo, asst. prof. dept. of History spoke on the term ‘indigenous’ and the reason behind the adoption of the theme by the UN for this year’s celebration. He elaborated on the existence of indigenous populations worldwide and the challenges faced by indigenous people. He emphasised on ‘social contract’, with regard to unity, cooperation, rights, freedom, dignity and equality of the people.

 It stated that the students showcased the importance of culture through speeches, folk songs, poems, importance of log drum and online presentations focusing on the rich culture in Nagaland. 69 UG students with the teaching faculty attended the celebration.

ACI, Mao-Manipur: The Asufii Christian Institute (ACI), Mao-Manipur observed the ‘International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples’.

It was virtually organised by NSS and Research Cell. The programme started with a welcome address from Ng Mary Saza, NSS PO and asst. professor of ACI followed by a short video by NSS.

Dr. Pfokrelo Kapesa, asst. professor of International Relations, North East Christian University, Dimapur mentioned that 6.2 percent of the global population are the world indigenous people in 90 countries with diverse and unique cultures, traditions, languages and knowledge. However, they often are marginalised in the policy-making of the state, from political and economic participation, denied of their land, culture and languages.

Therefore, the need for a new social contract with inclusive social interest and common good for humanity and nature arises. Highlighting on what a new social contract means for us, she spoke of a new social contract defined by the indigenous people, she said.

Karbi Anglong, Assam: Along with the rest of the world, International Day on the World’s Indigenous Peoples was observed in Karbi Anglong.

In Diphu, the Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC) and All Party Hills Leaders Conference (APHLC jointly celebrated the occasion onthe theme, “Leaving no one behind indigenous peoples and the call for a new social contract” at Karbi People’s Hall, Taralangso on Monday.

Speaking on the occasion the president of ASDC, Chandra Kanta Terang said, “In India indigenous people are mostly concentrated in Northeastern part of the country. They are economically, socially and educationally backward. As per the constitutional provision for the welfare of indigenous people, but the Indian government still fails to acknowledge them. In Karbi Anglong the powers and functions under the provision of 6th Schedule of the constitution for the protection and preservation of the culture, language, land and territory and political, economic and educational rights of the indigenous people here have not been implemented in letter and spirit by the Indian government.

The acts and rules for the functioning of KAAC under 6th Schedule provision has to be made. Even the Autonomous State under Article 244 (A) of the Indian constitution has not been implemented by the government. It is the commitment of the Parliament and not the commitment of the people, Terang said.

Terang said that the day is celebrated to fight for the rights of the indigenous people together and urged different social organisations to stand with the indigenous communities.