The tribals of Manipur constitute a sizable percentage of total population consisting of abut 30 odd tribes living in the five hill districts namely Chandel, Churchandpur, Tamenglong, Senapati and Ukhrul. For centuries they have been living independently cocooned off from the rest having their unique cultures, customs and a way of life. But today the world is ever-changing; it is passing through a stage of transition. Situation on the worldstage is undergoing rapid transformation. The tribals have not been left affected. They have become endangered tribes, some have become extinct, and others have been assimilated by bigger and larger communities and many more in various stages of transition. The tribals of Manipur too are going through such similar phases and have but been left undisturbed.
Our indigenous cultures and customs are under constant threat of breaking down and being lost, through acculturation and assimilation processes. I would like to mention some of the issues and problems they are facing today- the imposition of Meitei Mayek, plantation of land mines in the hill areas, non-reservation for tribals in central educational institutions like RIMS, CAU, MU etc., non-existence of employment avenues, lack of educational facilities, health facilities and the dismal or almost absent of basic minimum infrastructure in majority of the hill areas. These issues must be tackled together with conviction and without compromise. Even our constitutional rights are trampled upon frequently, so it is important we keep vigil. Some tribal organizations are already doing good work in safe guarding the rights of the tribal people and therefore it is only befitting that we all work towards advancing our cause together.
At the same time, the Nagas are going through a crucial moment in their history. It is an opportune time for the Nagas to decide what they want. We must strengthen the peace process and support the integration of all Naga areas. The future is what we make of it, it is in our hands. How we act today will decide what the future will be like for us. In the light of this, the United Naga Council (UNC)’s call to the Nagas time and again to work together in support of solution is praise worthy. As the apex civil organization of the Nagas in Manipur, it has been playing a decisive role in strengthening the peace process.
It is in this context that as a concerned Naga citizen, I shall abide by any direction or decision taken by the UNC with regards to the forthcoming state assembly election in the interest of the Nagas.
Francis Huten
Intending candidate for the forthcoming Manipur assembly election. from 41 A/C, Chandel.
