EKHON | UKHRUL: Ukhrul district observed International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024, uder the theme “Protecting Rights of Indigenous Peoples in Voluntary Isolation and Initial Contact”, in a joint event by Discussion Forum Ukhrul (DFU) and Sambu Raiping Shanao Long (SRSL) at Leihsak Long Conference Hall.
Hungyohung, DFU convenor, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need to protect indigenous peoples’ rights, especially those in voluntary isolation and initial contact. He highlighted global challenges faced by indigenous communities, including land rights and cultural preservation.
He observed that Indigenous communities are frequently exposed to the threat of marginalization as a result of economic challenges and pointed out that affluent individuals and corporations often exploit these vulnerabilities, resulting in the displacement of these communities from their ancestral lands.
The UN’s 1993 declaration of International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples Day marked a turning point, recognizing indigenous peoples’ crucial contributions to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and biodiversity, said the member of NPMHR. He stressed that indigenous communities have distinct cultures, languages, and traditions, and a long history of harmonious coexistence with nature.
Hungyohung informed the audience that the Nagas are acknowledged as an Indigenous people by the United Nations globally and appealed to them to advocate for policies that foster the well-being and advancement of Indigenous communities. He highlighted key rights granted by the UN to Indigenous peoples, including the protection of their lands, natural resources, and other entitlements, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and recognition of these fundamental rights.
In his address, co-convenor DFU LM Thanmi Shimray stressed that indigenous peoples are the native inhabitants, referred to as ‘Ripan’ in the Tangkhul language. He appealed to village authorities and civil society groups within the Naga community to make the celebration of this occasion a priority, aiming to raise public awareness about the rights and concerns of indigenous peoples.
Shimray emphasized the need for indigenous communities to unite and intensify their efforts to protect their cultural heritage, languages, and natural resources, and safeguard their rights.
Meanwhile, SRSL chairperson Shanti Awungshi thanked DFU for including Sambu women in the celebration and promised to support DFU’s efforts in raising awareness about indigenous rights in the Sambu region.
The celebration also featured a captivating cultural performance by Mayo Chithung, an elder from the Tangkhul Naga Ngashan Laa Pharimi (TNNLP), a cultural organization committed to preserving and promoting the vibrant traditions of Tangkhul folk music.
