Media reflections of IP day celebration in Manipur on 9 August 2014 at Awang Sekmai Manipur

 Meet affirms peoples right to self determination over natural resources                

The Manipur Update, 10 August 2014

http://manipurupdate.com/meet-affirms-peoples-right-to-self-determination-over-natural-resources/

MU NEWS/IMPHAL, Aug 9 :

The World’s Indigenous Peoples day was organized jointly by Citizens Action for Social Development, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, Awang Sekmai New Market Development Association at Awang Sekmai, Manipur on August 9 with the theme “In Defense of Our Land, Forest, Water, Our Rights and Future”.

Secretary Jiten Yumnam of Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur gave the Key Note address of the celebration while Writer Yaiskul, Convenor Phulindro Konsam of Committee on Human Rights, Advisor Thanmi Kashung Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization (MDAVO), Jt. Secretary Chaoba All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union,Sorokhaibam Sanjoy of All Manipur United Clubs Organization deliberated as resource persons.

Jiten Yumnam in his key note, stressed on need of a strong message of indigenous peoples of Manipur in the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples in September 2014. The increasing development onslaught, such as proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam over Barak River, the Mapithel dam over Thoubal River etc and oil exploration plan in Manipur threatened indigenous peoples’ survival. He also stressed on the need of a self determined development of Manipur and to end militarization process in Manipur. Further, to repeal all draconian laws, Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 which violates non derogable rights in Manipur.

Jt Secretary Chaoba of All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen Union explained how Ithai Barrage of the 105 MW Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project submerged more than 80,000 acres of agriculture land and conscripted indigenous fishing communities’ rights in Loktak Lake. The Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 led to forced eviction of fishing communities and arsoning of floating huts. Many indigenous fish and edible plant species are lost after Ithai barrage. He urged to decommission Ithai Barrage of Loktak project.

Advisor Thanmi Kashung Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization shared how the Mapithel dam will submerge several villages, prime agriculture land, their forest land and will threaten survival of communities. He called for review of Mapithel dam construction and to conduct a holistic impact assessment and further called for resumption of the Expert Review committee formed in 2008.

Chairman Phulindro Konsam of Committee on Human Rights spoke on the alarming human rights situations due to the ongoing efforts to subdue the right to self determination of Manipur. The influx of non indigenous population in Manipur with state patronage threatened survival of indigenous peoples of Manipur. Development injustice undermined food sovereignty and foster inequality in Manipur. Development should be centred on peoples’ rights and their wishes. He called for repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

Executive member Yaiskul of Patriotic Writer Forum, explained how indigenous cultures and traditions are fast losing out due to changing pattern of land ownership and development aggression on peoples land and resources. The removal of boulder and sand from Sekmai River and other rivers by rich people with state patronage further devastates ecosystem. There are folklores on our forest of Manipur and even rituals before cutting down trees but today, such practices are disrespected.

S Sanjoy of AMUCO spoke on the human rights violations perpetrated under the militarization process in Manipur under emergency laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 and how indigenous youths are subjected to extensive fake encounter killings. The World Indigenous Peoples Day celebration has also affirmed that the indigenous peoples right to self determination over our land, water, forest and all natural resources of Manipur as inherent for our physical and spiritual survival, rights and future.

Organisations affirm to defend resources, rights on WIP Day

The Morung Express News, 10 August 2014

http://www.morungexpress.com/regional/119958.html

Imphal: On World’s Indigenous Peoples Day, different organisations in Manipur have come forward affirming that indigenous peoples have the right to self determination over land, water, forest and all natural resources of Manipur as inherent for the physical and spiritual survival, rights and future. A statement from Centre for Research and Advocacy Manipur, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, Citizen’s Action for Social Empowerment, Awang Sekmai New Market Development Association received here stated. The organizations celebrated WIP Day on the theme “Defending our land, water, forest, our rights and future.”

The organizations expressed concern with the continued application of emergency laws, such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA, 1958) to subdue the right to self determination of indigenous peoples of Manipur, which derogates “right to life” and “right to justice remedy”. “The AFSPA, 1958, responsible for serious human rights violations, continues to be enforced in Manipur despite peoples’ and the United Nation’s call for its repeal,” it stated.

The organizations also expressed concern that vast tract of prime agriculture land and forest are acquired to sustain militarization process in Manipur, in subduing indigenous peoples' political rights and to advance corporate interest of Multinational corporations. “We condemn all efforts to expand the Leimakhong Army base and to further conscript more than 1000 acres of prime agriculture land in and around Sekmai area,” the statement vented.

The organizations also took serious note of development and infrastructure projects Manipur and the introduction of new land acts saying it would further impoverish indigenous peoples and increase land alienation, and add to the violation of peoples’ rights.

It also expressed solidarity with the ongoing movement in Manipur to stop state sponsored infusion of non indigenous populations in indigenous territories of Manipur and to formulate appropriate legislation towards protection of indigenous peoples’ right and land, their livelihood sources and future. It further called on the Government of India to address their concerns.

World Indigenous Peoples Day Observed 

The North East Mirror, 10 August 2014

http://northeastmirror.com/index.php/north-east-india-state-news/north-east-india-news-manipur/499-world-indigenous-peoples-day-observed

August 9, 2014: The World’s Indigenous Peoples day was organized jointly by Citizens Action for Social Development, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur and Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, Awang Sekmai New Market Development Association at Awang Sekmai, Manipur on 9th August 2014 with the theme “In Defense of Our Land, Forest, Water, Our Rights and Future”.

Jiten Yumnam, Secretary, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur provided Key Note address of the celebration.

Yaiskul, Writer, Phulindro Konsam, Convenor, Committee on Human Rights,  Thanmi Kashung, Advisor, Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization (MDAVO), Chaoba, Jt. Secretary, All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union, Sorokhaibam Sanjoy of All Manipur United Clubs Organization deliberated as resource persons.

In his key note, Jiten Yumnam stressed on need of a strong message of indigenous peoples of Manipur in the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples in September 2014. The increasing development onslaught, such as proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam over Barak River, the Mapithel dam over Thoubal River etc and oil exploration plan in Manipur threatened indigenous peoples’ survival. He also stressed on the need of a self determined development of Manipur and to end militarization process in Manipur.

Further, to repeal all draconian laws, Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 which violates non derogable rights in Manipur.

In his speech Chaoba explained how Ithai Barrage of the 105 MW Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project submerged more than 80,000 acres of agriculture land and conscripted indigenous fishing communities’ rights in Loktak Lake. The Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 led to forced eviction of fishing communities and arsoning of floating huts. Many indigenous fish and edible plant species are lost after Ithai barrage. He urged to decommission Ithai Barrage of Loktak project.   

Thanmi Kashung shared how the Mapithel dam will submerge several villages, prime agriculture land, their forest land and will threaten survival of communities.

Further, the advisor, Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization called for review of Mapithel dam construction and to conduct a holistic impact assessment and resumption of the Expert Review committee formed in 2008.

While another resource person, Phulindro Konsam spoke on the alarming human rights situations due to the ongoing efforts to subdue the right to self determination of Manipur. The influx of non indigenous population in Manipur with state patronage threatened survival of indigenous peoples of Manipur. Development injustice undermined food sovereignty and foster inequality in Manipur. Development should be centred on peoples’ rights and their wishes. He called for repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

Yaiskul, Executive member, Patriotic Writer Forum, explained how indigenous cultures and traditions are fast losing out due to changing pattern of land ownership and development aggression on peoples land and resources. The removal of boulder and sand from Sekmai River and other rivers by rich people with state patronage further devastates ecosystem. There are folklores on our forest of Manipur and even rituals before cutting down trees but today, such practices are disrespected.

S Sanjoy of AMUCO spoke on the human rights violations perpetrated under the militarization process in Manipur under emergency laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 and how indigenous youths are subjected to extensive fake encounter killings. The celebration of the World Indigenous Peoples Day celebration adopted the following statement.

Affirm indigenous peoples right to self determination over our land, water, forest and all natural resources of Manipur as inherent for our physical and spiritual survival, rights and future.

Express concern with the continued application of emergency laws, such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA, 1958) to subdue the right to self determination of indigenous peoples of Manipur, which derogates “right to life” and “right to justice remedy”. The AFSPA, 1958, responsible for serious human rights violations, continues to be enforced in Manipur despite peoples’ and the United Nation’s call for its repeal, said a joint statement from the organisation.

Expressing their concern over the "vast tract of prime agriculture land and forest are acquired to sustain militarization process in Manipur, in subduing indigenous peoples' political rights and to advance corporate interest of Multinational corporations" they condemn all efforts to expand the Leimakhong Army base and to further conscript more than 1000 acres of prime agriculture land in and around Sekmai area.  

Seriously note the development processes in Manipur, incompatible to the aspirations of indigenous peoples and failing to recognize their self determination over their land and resources, such as Government of India’s pursuance with multinational corporations, to construct the 1500 MW Tipaimukh Dam, the Chakpi Dam etc and to drill oil and gas from Manipur etc without indigenous peoples free, prior and informed consent. 

The World Bank and ADB financed infrastructure projects such as Trans Asian Highway, the Trans Asian Railways etc aimed at facilitating the expansion of India’s neo-liberal policies in Manipur will further impoverish indigenous peoples and aggravate development injustice and violation of peoples’ rights.   

Express concern that sand mining in Sekmai River, pursued by powerful elites with tacit state patronage led to water scarcity, destroyed environment and rendered their agriculture land uncultivable and unproductive.  

Express our concern that series of development policies incompatible to the rights and needs of indigenous peoples has been introduced aggressively. The Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006, the Manipur Hydroelectric Power Policy, 2012, the New Land Use Policy, 2014, the Manipur Tourism Policy, 2011 etc has been introduced which will increase land alienation, expropriation of community land and resources

Expressing solidarity with the ongoing movement in Manipur to stop state sponsored infusion of non indigenous populations in indigenous territories of Manipur and to formulate appropriate legislation towards protection of indigenous peoples’ right and land, their livelihood sources and future 

Called on the Government of India to implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, 2007, especially to recognize indigenous peoples self determination over their land and resources and to recognize communities’ rights over their land and resources, their traditional practices and way of life. 

Further called on the Government of India to end all human Rights violations on indigenous peoples in Manipur and repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 and end all land grabbing for militarization. Further, repeal all policies such as Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006, the Manipur Hydroelectric Power Policy, 2006, New Land Use Policy 2014, aimed to facilitate corporate expansionism in Manipur. 

Called upon the Government of India to stop Oil Exploration Jubilant Energy, to stop the proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh Dam, the proposed Chakpi HEP project and ongoing Mapithel dam construction in Manipur  

End all forms of state sponsored implantation of non indigenous populations in Manipur and formulate specific policies to stop unregulated infiltration of non indigenous populations in Manipur.

World Indigenous People's Day observed

The Hueiyen Lanpao, 10 August 2014

http://www.hueiyenlanpao.com/headlines/item/21801-world-indigenous-people-s-day-observed

HNS/IMPHAL, Aug 9: As in other parts of the world, World Indigenous People's Day was observed by Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) at THAU Ground, Thangmeiband here today.
The observance function was attended by Th Iboyaima, father of social work; Prof Lokendra Arambam, retd Director of AVRC, MU; RV Mingthing, ex-Minister; Prof Khullakpam Md Abdul, Secretary of Manipur State Minority Commission; Rose Mangsi, president of Kuki Women's Union and H Ibotombi Khuman, convener of JCILPS as Presidium Members.
Babloo Loitongbam, human rights activist; Ningthouja Lancha, editor of Kangla Lanpao and Sapam Deleep, lecturer in Law College were also present as Resource Persons.

While speaking on the topic 'Bridging the Gap: Implementing the Rights of Indigenous People' advocate Angomcha Araba observed that people staying in hills will also be affected if Inner Line Permit System is not implemented in the State and asserted that the system could be implemented if all the 60 MLAs have enough political will and commitment.
Under the theme of "In Defence of Our Land, Forest, Water, Our Rights and Future",  World Indigenous People's Day was also organized jointly by Citizens Action for Social Development; Centre for research and Advocacy, Manipur; Citizens Concern for Dams and Development' and Awang Sekmai New Market Development Association at Awang Sekmai today.

Starting off with the key note address delivered by Jiten Yumnam, Secretary of Centre for Research and Advocacy; many resource persons including writer Yaiskul; Phulindro Konsam, Convenor of Committee on Human Rights; Thanmi Kashung, Advisor of Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers' Organisation (MDAVO); Chaba, Joint Secretary of All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen's Union and Sorokhaibam Sanjoy of All Manipur Unitd Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) attended and deliberated on the theme of the observance with specific reference to local context.

World Indigenous People’s Day observed

The Sangai Express, 10 August 2014

http://www.thesangaiexpress.com/page/items/41694/world-indigenous-peoples-day-observed

IMPHAL, Aug 9: Call for ILPS implementation reverberated during World Indigenous People’s Day observances organised at different parts of the State today. In a function organised by Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur at Uripok Haobam Dewan Leikai, former Minister RV Mingthing, CDC MU former Director and STDCM president Dr Y Mohendro and former Ukhrul ADC Usham Dhananjoy were the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Speaking at the occasion, RV Minghting said that protection of indigenous people is an accepted affair all over the world. Preservation of indigenous culture, tradition and identity is permitted by the United Nations, Mingthing said while adding that implementation of ILPS would serve as a significant step towards it.

Maintaining that ILPS was enforced in Manipur from 1947 to 1950, Mingthing said that the then Commissioner lifted the system from Manipur later. He questioned why ILPS is not enforceable in Manipur although it is being implemented in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

Exhorting the people of the State to collectively press the Government to put ILPS into effect, Mingthing observed that it is the best step towards protection of indigenous people. Meanwhile, World’s Indigenous People’s Day was also jointly observed by Citizens Action for Social Development, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, Awang Sekmai New Market Development Association at Awang Sekmai today.

Speaking at the observance held under the theme, ‘In Defence of Our Land, Forest, Water, Our Rights and Future’, Centre for Research and Advocacy secretary Jiten Yumnam stressed on need to put forward the issues of indigenous people of Manipur at World Conference on Indigenous People to be held in September this year.

The increasing number of development projects like proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam over Barak River, Mapithel dam over Thoubal river etc and oil exploration plan in Manipur have threatened indigenous people’s survival. He also stressed on the need for adopting self determination towards bringing development and end mitralization in Manipur.

Writer Yaiskul, Committee on Human Rights Convenor Phulindro Konsam, Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization Advisor Thanmi Kashung, All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union Joint Secretary Chaba, Sorokhaibam Sanjoy of All Manipur United Clubs Organization spoke at the function. As part of the World Indigenous People’s Day observance, JCILPS Student’s Wing and rickshaw pullers carried out different rallies spreading the message of protection of indigenous people.

JCILPS Student’s Wing flagged off a bike rally from THAU ground, Thangmeiband at around 11 am. The rallyists used placards that read as ‘Save Our Culture, Save the Indigenous People’, ‘Implement ILPS in the State’ and ‘No Meaning of Life Without Identity’ during the rally which passed through important localities of Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal and Bishnupur districts. On the other hand, rickshaw pullers also took out a rickshaw rally on important road of the State capital today. The rickshaw rally was flagged off from Sagolband Bijoygovinda ground in the afternoon.

PRESS RELEASE_World Indigenous Peoples Day

CITIZEN ACTION FOR SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT

CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND ADVOCACY, MANIPUR

AWANG SEKMAI NEW MARKET DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION   

CITIZENS CONCERN FOR DAMS AND DEVELOPMENT 

                                                                IMPHAL MANIPUR                             9 August 2014    

PRESS RELEASE

The World’s Indigenous Peoples day was organized jointly by Citizens Action for Social Development, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur, Citizens Concern for Dams and Development, Awang Sekmai New Market Development Association at Awang Sekmai, Manipur on 9^th August 2014 with the theme “In Defense of Our Land, Forest, Water, Our Rights and Future”. Mr Jiten Yumnam, Secretary, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur provided Key Note address of the celebration. Mr. Yaiskul, Writer, Mr. Phulindro Konsam, Convenor, Committee on Human Rights, Mr. Thanmi Kashung, Advisor, Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization (MDAVO), Mr. Chaba, Jt. Secretary, All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen’s Union, Mr. Sorokhaibam Sanjoy of All Manipur United Clubs Organization deliberated as resource persons.

Mr. Jiten Yumnam in his key note, stressed on need of a strong message of indigenous peoples of Manipur in the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples in September 2014. The increasing development onslaught, such as proposed 1500 MW Tipaimukh dam over Barak River, the Mapithel dam over Thoubal River etc and oil exploration plan in Manipur threatened indigenous peoples’ survival. He also stressed on the need of a self determined development of Manipur and to end militarization process in Manipur. Further, to repeal all draconian laws, Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 which violates non derogable rights in Manipur.

Mr. Chaoba, Jt Secretary, All Loktak Lake Areas Fishermen Union explained how Ithai Barrage of the 105 MW Loktak Multipurpose Hydroelectric Project submerged more than 80,000 acres of agriculture land and conscripted indigenous fishing communities’ rights in Loktak Lake. The Manipur Loktak Lake Protection Act, 2006 led to forced eviction of fishing communities and arsoning of floating huts. Many indigenous fish and edible plant species are lost after Ithai barrage. He urged to decommission Ithai Barrage of Loktak project.   

Mr. Thanmi Kashung, advisor, Mapithel Dam Affected Villagers Organization shared how the Mapithel dam will submerge several villages, prime agriculture land, their forest land and will threaten survival of communities. He called for review of Mapithel dam construction and to conduct a holistic impact assessment and further called for resumption of the Expert Review committee formed in 2008.

Mr. Phulindro Konsam, Chairman, Committee on Human Rights spoke on the alarming human rights situations due to the ongoing efforts to subdue the right to self determination of Manipur. The influx of non indigenous population in Manipur with state patronage threatened survival of indigenous peoples of Manipur. Development injustice undermined food sovereignty and foster inequality in Manipur. Development should be centred on peoples’ rights and their wishes. He called for repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

Mr. Yaiskul, Executive member, Patriotic Writer Forum, explained how indigenous cultures and traditions are fast losing out due to changing pattern of land ownership and development aggression on peoples land and resources. The removal of boulder and sand from Sekmai River and other rivers by rich people with state patronage further devastates ecosystem. There are folklores on our forest of Manipur and even rituals before cutting down trees but today, such practices are disrespected. Mr. S Sanjoy of AMUCO spoke on the human rights violations perpetrated under the militarization process in Manipur under emergency laws such as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 and how indigenous youths are subjected to extensive fake encounter killings. The celebration of the World Indigenous Peoples Day celebration adopted a statement:

An Introspection: Manipur Paddy Conservation Bill 2014

By Jiten Yumnam

In a significant development on 25 July 2014, the Manipur Assembly passed the Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land Bill 2014 amidst the longstanding and ongoing struggle for protection of agriculture land on an urgent basis. The passing of the Bill indicates at least a tardy realization of the Government, at least, of basic significance of agriculture in Manipur’s economy. However, one wonders what Manipur actually needs at this point of time in agriculture or for that matter in larger Manipur’s economy. Is it mere protection of paddy land or protection of agriculture land? One is also concerned on the approach, piecemeal or holistic? The question is more obvious given Manipur’s land terrain, its geography and diverse pattern of agriculture practices. Manipur’s agriculture both in the valley and the hills is not restricted merely to paddy cultivation. Especially in the hill areas, diversified cultivation assumes much prominence with pursuance of traditional forms of agriculture. 

Manipur has different categories of agriculture land, depending on the terrain, in the plains, wetlands, hills, forest etc with diverse agricultural practice. One wonders if the policy will cover all agriculture land. The protection of agricultural land in Manipur should also entail protection of wetlands, forest land and those areas with possibility for permanent cultivation. And here it is highly crucial to ensure involvement of all different communities of Manipur practising different types and forms of agriculture practices and to acknowledge their pattern of land ownership and agriculture practices, to identify best practices and ways to protect agricultural land in all terrains across Manipur.  

Interestingly, the bill is introduced at a time where agriculture land both in the hills and valley fast shrinks and vigorously conscripted for multiple large scale development projects and uncontrolled urbanization. Land grabbing is an alarming phenomenon fast unfolding in Manipur amidst India’s aggressive pursuance of neoliberal economic policies and its economic and political expansionist policies. Peoples’ stern resistance against agriculture land acquisition without their free prior and informed consent, such as for creation of Capitol Project, Industrial Growth Centre, international Airport in Imphal etc are still fresh in peoples’ memories[1]. Today, residents of Yurembam are dead against the land acquisition move for Trans Asian Highway. The village already lost substantial trace of their land to the Power Station of NEEPCO, Ltd and due to the expansion of 400 KV power plant of the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd very recently[2]. Further much concern abound that the inconsiderate implementation of the subsidy oriented National Food Security Act, 2012 of India in Manipur has enormous potential to destroy indigenous agriculture with dumping of cheap and chemical laden food grain from beyond Manipur. Much of Manipur’s prime agriculture land is also lost due to extensive militarization of Indian armed forces under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 to subdue insurgent groups seeking self determination of Manipur.

The new policy will simply be irrational and meaningless without addressing the implications of development onslaught in Manipur. Manipur, with its geographical advantage of locating right in middle of South Asia and South East Asia is already at the centre of an international economic process of converting entire Asian region into a huge market. The Trans Asian Railway, the Trans Asian Highway and the 400 KV High Voltage Transmission lines are part of the larger strategy to economically connect Asian sub regions and to foster trade between countries in South Asian and South East Asia, the process being facilitated by economically powerful countries through Multilateral banks, viz, World Bank, Asian Development Bank etc and bilateral banks like Japan Bank for International Cooperation. The enormous challenge is indigenous peoples of Manipur are excluded in the process of defining such development priorities and processes. Further, the people are not even informed of the potential multifaceted impacts of large development initiative under such processes. Rather its land, its forest and rich resources are already subjected to economic exploitation, as evident in the ongoing process to construct more than 200 mega dams all over India’s North East region and to drill oil and natural gas by multinational companies, such as in Manipur by Jubilant Energy. Indeed, power trading is one of the priorities set in Asian Development Bank’ and World Bank’s development visions for the region. The infrastructures created for such economic process will conscript huge trace of prime agriculture land and will directly facilitate unhindered dumping of cheap agricultural produces from across borders from South and South East Asia, thus destroying indigenous agriculture and undermining food sovereignty of Manipur. 

The need for clarity on reasons for loss of agricultural land need be considered. Will there be a rethinking of the development process and rescinding of unsustainable policies with the move to defend agriculture land? Or will it be just an expression of intent devoid of practicalities. Will it also rethink certain development process, such as 105 MW Loktak HEP Project, to return the 83,000 acres of prime agriculture land, submerged by the project? Will it also consider abandoning the Tipaimukh dam project which will submerge nearly 30,000 hectares of forest and fertile agriculture land along the Barak River and its tributaries in Tamenglong and Churachandpur Districts[3]? Will the decision led to saving more than 1000 hectares of agriculture land in Mapithel Valley to be submerged by Mapithel dam[4]? The proposed Chakpi dam will submerge more than 3000 hectares, most of which will be prime agriculture land along the Chakpi River in Chandel District[5].  

One also needs be clear of the objectives of pursuing such bill or policies? One needs a comprehensive assessment of reasons for loss of agriculture land or threats to sustainable agriculture in Manipur, based on which the policy need be based. Manipur’s agriculture in all terrains is increasingly rendered uneconomical for the farmers and indigenous communities due to multiple reasons, high cost of fertilizer and pesticides, high labor cost, lack of state support, influx of cheap agricultural items, impacts of climate change and lack of marketing support, bad infrastructure etc. 

One may also ask if the passing of the bill or the enactment of related policies able to defend agriculture land of Manipur. Manipur’s agriculture is under intense pressure due to the liberalization of Indian agriculture, where Agri corporate bodies are fast converting the state into their market for fertilizers, pesticides, high yielding seeds, agriculture equipments etc, which increases cost of farming. Defense of agricultural land need rethinking the capitalist led development, dominant development model based on profits for private parties, which undermines sustainable agriculture. One wonders if the Government of Manipur will embark on this at a time when it is deeply encouraging commercial agriculture as outlined in the New Land Use Policy of Manipur 2014[6]. The reality today is the unregulated corporate expansionism under imperialist countries led globalization is the biggest threat to sustainable agriculture in Manipur? The Government need be sensitive to such challenges and threats to agriculture in Manipur, both in the hills and plains. Further, also to understand the grievances of small scale farmers, which have limited state support for their agriculture activities, such as purchase of farm equipments, irrigation facilities and crop insurance etc. Without challenging the larger unsustainable development models and all threats to sustainable agriculture, a mere defense of paddy land will simply be irrational? There are fundamental contradictions to be addressed, in policy application and in defining development vision and processes. One also wonder if there will there be reconsideration of the Policies like Manipur Tourism Policy 2011 and Manipur Hydroelectric Power Policy etc, that will destroy agriculture land, forest, water sources and restrict community’s access to their land and survival sources. 

Is formulation of paddy conservation bill rational? One may rather wish to press a policy to protect all agriculture land in its entirely in Manipur and will certainly lead to a more substantial understanding of Manipur in itself, which can lead to answers to many challenges of Manipur. The Government of Manipur should consider a comprehensive agriculture policy which recognize communities’ rights over their land and recognize their right to free, prior and informed consent before introducing any initiative or development projects that will undermine their rights or relationship with their land. It is highly crucial to perceive the importance and intrinsic relationship of communities with their land. A holistic policy to protect agriculture land, wetlands, forest of Manipur should be framed in due consultation with communities. The policy need be based on sustainable agriculture, promotion of small scale farming, recognition of indigenous agriculture, addressing the key threats to agriculture etc with the protection of agriculture land as one of the key and essential components of the policy. Protection of agricultural land should be an essential and key component of promoting just and sustainable development in Manipur. A mere intent to protect agriculture land will mean nothing till a holistic approach is adopted for agriculture.  

Addressing and reversing the potential threats to a viable and sustainable agriculture in Manipur, such as extensive promotion of industries, large scale development projects, infrastructure projects, extensive militarization etc is highly crucial. A thorough understanding of the potential risks and challenges of agriculture in Manipur in the larger neoliberal economic framework of considering agriculture purely in economic terms need be pursued. One need to ponder where is Manipur’s agriculture and how our farmers can cope with the onslaught of multiple free trade agreements signed by India with South East Asian and South Asian countries. In this context, merely conserving paddy land will highly be insufficient. It is highly critical to really identify and insist on what needs to conserved and for what purpose and if it simply will be enough. Reviewing and changing development processes detrimental in sustainable agriculture is urgent. Protection of agriculture land is not feasible less there’s a concerted effort both to understand and to respond to the larger global forces, which already threatened the socio- economic, political and cultural values of Manipur

---

[1] Developmental challenges : Airport & University expansion, The Sangai Express, 11 May 2008, 

[2] Manipur's debut in railway map may wipe out Yurembam, fear inhabitants
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network, The 9 July 2014

[3] “Damned Hearings of Tipaimukh High Dam”, by Jiten Yumnam, the Imphal Free Press  

[4] “Mapithel Dam and Militaristic Development”, by Jiten Yumnam, the Sangai Express

[5] “Nuances of Chakpi Dam Plan in Manipur”, Centre for Research and Advocacy, Manipur, March 2014

[6] New Nuisance: Manipur’s New Land Use Policy 2014, by Jiten Yumnam The Sangai Express, 22 July 2014