Death anniversary of Robinhood observed Define indigenous folks call rung out

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, July 8: The 5th death anniversary of Sapam Robinhood, a student who was killed during a protest demonstration demanding 'Inner Line Permit' in the State, on July 8, 2005 was observed today as "Lamjing Meira Numit" at Awa Ching in Imphal East where his memorial lies.
Speaking at the function, JCILPS Convenor YK Dhiren said  the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations (BEFR), 1873 which is implemented in the State has left out many important clauses leaving it toothless.
"This law is only the cover without the body parts," he said.
"In the Gazette notification, it is nowhere defined who indigenous people are. There is no base year.
"The people are still left confused how to identify the indigenous population," he said. 
"As it has not been defined who the indigenous people are, the clause which bars sale of land to outsiders has no meaning  whatsoever," he said. He appealed to the Government to issue a new Gazette notification explaining who the indigenous people are. Dhiren further said that the State Government had promised to properly develop the memorial site of Sapam Robinhood at Awa Ching however nothing has been done so far. JCILPS has decided to develop it and has started consulting an architect, he said.
MAPI Council president N Bimol said setting up of a Population Commission was also part of the deal between JCILPS and the State Government but now the State as well as the people seem to have forgotten it.
Today's function was attended by Robinhood's family and  representatives of various civil society organisations.
Meanwhile, Coordinating Body Khurai and Khurai Pana Paunga Singlup also observed the day by lighting candles at Khurai Lamlong this evening.