Most indigenous people of Northeast are endangered, says Imna Along

Our Reporter
Dimapur, April 29 (EMN): Most of the indigenous people of the Northeast are endangered with some having a population of less than one lakh; and commercialisation has made them fail to realise that their rights and heritage have been compromised many a time, said Minister of Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along.

The minister was speaking on the inaugural day of the two-day 2nd Annual General Conference of the North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF) on the theme “Together in Unity”, at NEZCC, Stone Park, 4th Mile, Dimapur, on Friday.

Let us make it a way of life to preserve our indigenous heritage; only then we will pursuit (preservation of heritage), he said.

He urged the gathering to be assimilative in their approach but not forget “who they are first” and not forget to preserve their heritage.

On this, he acknowledged the organisers of the event for its pragmatic and practical way that will help carry forward the interest of the indigenous people of the Northeast in the pursuit of preserving their culture, tradition, and most importantly, their heritage and identity.

Along went on to say that the indigenous people of the region are very humble but ‘they have given in too much in hospitability’ in their dedication towards inclusiveness with the non-indigenous people ‘who have come in and taken over their ground’.

In the meantime, he urged the gathering to shun violence and be inclusive in their approach.

He said the NEIPF should be the centre of discussion and must be able to influence the policymakers of the nation, sates, religious leaders, NGOs, and civil society leaders to be pragmatic and endure it in order to empower the indigenous people with the ability to survive and preserve their unique identity for the rest of their lives

He further urged the gathering to connect with other communities and build a protected and prosperous future for the indigenous people.

NEIPF president Dr. Temsuwati Longkumer delivered the welcome address, while MLA from Manipur Radheshyam conveyed greetings and NEIPF chief convener Anup Chetia gave the keynote address at the conference which was attended by representatives from all the north-eastern states.