Imphal, May 10, 2017 (DIPR): In yet another major achievement of the new government after bringing an end to the 130 days of economic blockade, the 618 days long agitation against the “Anti Tribal Bills” which killed 9 civilians in Churachandpur District came to an end after the Shri N. Biren Singh led government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Joint Action Committee against Anti Tribal Bills (JACAATB), Churachandpur today.
Expressing his happiness on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding which broke the impasse of 618 days long agitation, in a press conference held at Chief Minister’s Secretariat today, Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh said, “Today is a delightful day for the people of the State that the consensus has finally arrived after the new government held a series of negotiation with the JACAATB, Churachandpur.
Hailing as a historic move, Shri N. Biren Singh appreciated the dedicated and relentless effort of the Churachandpur based CSOs, MLAs, President and Executive members of JACAATB, the people of Churachandpur and Media houses on the fruitful outcome of the talks.
Showing grateful to the people of the State, Shri N. Biren Singh said that the new government believed in inclusive and human value approach with no disparity among the ethnic communities living in the State. He said that the government would always keep its door open for dialogue with anyone before they take recourse to bandhs or blockades. He stressed that bandhs are illegal and befitting punishments would be given to those who supports bandhs and blockades under the law.
As per the Memorandum of Understanding, the government would provide ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakhs and permanent employment to next of kin of dead persons and compensation of Rs 50,000 to 48 injured persons on or before 25th May, 2017. The government also agreed to provide employment to eight disabled persons in the incident along with compensation of Rs 2 lakhs each on or before 25th May, 2017.
The State Government would provide financial assistance for the establishment of a Memorial Park at Lamka and a Memorial Hall at Singngat.
Further, it was agreed that the government shall ensure proper investigation on the incident of police firing and subsequent death of civilians and take up actions as per law.
It was brought into the consensus that honourable burial of eight dead bodies by JACAATB on or before 25th May, 2017.
In the agreement, it was mentioned that the State Government acknowledged the demands of the JACAATB regarding the administration of the indigenous tribal people of Manipur. The government would also extend all possible help and co-operation in the tripartite talk with SOO groups where various other issues and interests of indigenous tribal people of Manipur will be protected.
The State Government also acknowledged the demand for creation of a new district by the JACAATB for administrative convenience and better delivery of services to the people. However, the matter will be considered by the State Cabinet after the submission of report by District Boundary Commission.
It may be mention that the “Protection of Manipur People Bill, 2015” was withheld by the President of India. On the other hand, the two bills, namely “The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (7th amendment) Bill, 2015 and “Manipur Shops and Establishments (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2015” are still pending with the Government of India. Both the sides agreed that the State government would follow due procedure as laid down in the Constitution of India and relevant rules in consultation with all stakeholders, if any new bill which affects the interest of indigenous tribal people.
The agreement was signed by Chief Secretary, Manipur Shri O. Nabakishore Singh, Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, Shri A.N Jha, Chief Convenor, JACAATB, Shri H. Mangchinkhup, President, Simte Tribe Council, Shri B. Dongzalian Simte, President, Mizo People Convention, Shri Vanlalrinliana, President, United Zou Organisation, Shri Chinlunthang, President, Youth Paite Association, Shri T. Khailianthang, President, Shri Tedim Chin Union, Shri H. Pauzachin at Churachandpur. (DIPR)
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