Guwahati, Dec 19: Expressing deep concern over the large-scale influx of foreign nationals from Myanmar and Bangladesh into the Northeastern states, the North East Indigenous People’s Forum (NEIPF) has called for a joint approach among Members of Parliament (MPs) from the region.
On Thursday, NEIPF appealed to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha representatives from the Northeast to form a unified platform to address this pressing issue and protect the interests of indigenous communities.
In a letter addressed to all NE MPs, NEIPF chairman Anup Chetia and secretary general N. Ibungochoubi stressed the urgent need for collective action. They wrote, “We appeal to you as a representative of this region to join forces with other parliamentarians and heads of state from the northeastern region to create a common platform for deliberation and action. The NEIPF stands ready to initiate discussions and share imminent challenges with MPs and MLAs across the region.”
The forum highlighted the critical nature of the demographic shifts caused by the influx, which they believe threatens the socio-economic and cultural harmony of the region.
According to the letter, the absence of robust constitutional mechanisms to address and manage this issue has exacerbated the challenges faced by indigenous communities.
The NEIPF elaborated, “The northeastern region of India is a unique mosaic of cultural and ethnic diversity, home to indigenous communities that share common socio-cultural, economic, and political challenges. One pressing and alarming issue is the impact of the internal boundaries shared with China, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The absence of an adequate constitutional mechanism to manage the gradual influx of foreign nationals into the region has worsened an already precarious situation.”
The NEIPF noted that the shifting demographic profile has led to multiple crises, including reduced economic and political opportunities for indigenous people. This widening gap, they argued, has further marginalized these communities.
The forum appealed to MPs to support the creation of a parliamentary and state-level mechanism to protect indigenous rights. They also advocated for policies to prevent demographic changes and promote targeted economic opportunities for indigenous populations.
In their closing remarks, the NEIPF emphasized, “The growing challenges faced by the indigenous people must be addressed with utmost care, urgency, and collective resolve. We urge you to prioritize this issue and support the formulation of policies and constitutional safeguards to empower indigenous communities.”
