HT Correspondent
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SIVASAGAR, July 5: The North East Dialogue Foru, represented by Mohan Saikia from Assam, Enoch Khetan from Nagaland, Abu Mili from Arunachal Pradesh, M Kananjoy from Manipur, and Anthony Debbarma from Tripura, issued the Brahmaputra Declaration in Guwahati on July 1. The declaration calls for the recognition of the rights granted under the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People (2007) and draws the attention of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Indigenous People to the human rights violations faced by the indigenous communities in North East India (NEI).
The Forum also demands that the government of India ratify the UN Convention of Refugees 1951 to provide necessary support to refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other countries residing in NEI. Ratifying the convention would ensure that their basic human rights, such as the right to food and education, are protected under international law.
In order to protect the environment and sustain the livelihoods of indigenous peoples, the Forum calls for adherence to guidelines and procedures such as free prior informed consent, impact assessments on the environment, socio-economic factors, health, and human rights prior to the development of projects related to mining, construction of highways, railways, bridges, and national parks.
The Forum further urges the government of India to take immediate action to prevent and stop ethnic cleansing and civilian killings, particularly the ongoing violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur. It also calls on armed groups operating under the Suspension of Operations to cease killing civilians, refrain from using landmines and child soldiers, and honour their obligations as signatories to the Geneva Call agreements.
Recognising the historical and territorial integrity of Manipur is another key demand of the Forum, urging both the government of India and the international community to acknowledge this aspect. Additionally, the government of India is urged to invite the special rapporteur on counter-terrorism, the special rapporteur on violence against women, and the members of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to visit Manipur at the earliest.
Among other demands, the Forum seeks the removal of the Assam Rifles from Manipur and the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958. It also calls for the withdrawal of security forces from educational institutions in Manipur, allowing farmers to cultivate paddy without interruption.
The North East Dialogue Forum’s collective demands aim to address crucial issues related to indigenous rights, refugee protection, environmental sustainability, civilian safety, and the overall development and well-being of the region.
