Manipur Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister Letpao Haokip said that there is a need to chart out a future road map of tribal communities for secure and stable generation.
He stated this during the celebration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas on Tuesday at Tribal Research Institute, Manipur, Chingmeirong Imphal East. It was organised as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to honour all freedom fighters commemorating their contribution made for freedom struggle and cultural heritage.
The programme began by paying floral tribute to tribal freedom fighters from the state at Rani Gaidinliu Park situated at Manipur High Court Complex. This was followed by a freedom walk from park to TRI where cultural programmes cum felicitations of tribal achievers were held.
Attending the function as chief guest, Letpao hailed the tribal freedom fighters stating that there are no words to describe their sacrifice made for society. Because of their fearless contribution, the society can exist till today with pride. The present generation should always remember their forefathers and follow their footsteps, the minister said.
He further said that the present generation of tribal communities should start concerning their future for the next 200 to 300 year. It seems people of the community hardly set a dream with long term vision. There is a paramount need to frame a future roadmap of tribal communities that the society can survive with contentment, he said.
Due to absence of proper land holding systems in the hill areas, many tribal communities are facing challenges while applying for Startup Scheme or other government loan, he added, while stating the need of maintaining proper land holding mechanism and demarcation of district boundaries.
While appealing to the youth community to refrain from passing communal comments in social media, he said that all the ethnic communities inhabited in the state should maintain unity and integrity.
People have a notion that BJP is anti-secular and anti-tribal. But the appointment of the President of India from the tribal community justified that such things are wrong belief, he added.
The programme was attended by many other tribal ministers, MLAs, and high ranking officials.
