Chandel: A one-day tribe level seminar on the topic “Protection of Tribal Land and Forest Rights and the Village Authority Act, 1956” was held on Saturday at Ng. Mono Monsang Memorial Hall, Japhou Chandel under the aegis of Sirti Upa Ruh (Monsang Tribe Union).
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Upa K. Timothy Zimik, IRS, principal chief commissioner (retired), Ministry of Finance (Revenue), government of India attended the seminar as a resource person. He was accompanied by L Seth, president, People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA), Ukhrul district, Mathewkuan Panmei, social worker, Tamenglong district, Luikang Bruce, former president ANSAM, John Zimik (assistant) and K. Phungni Zimik (elder brother of K. Timothy).Â
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Upa Ng. Benithan, President SUR in his welcome and key-note address welcomed the resource person and his team and all the Monsang village chiefs, church leaders, student leaders, public and well-wishers for attending the important tribe level seminar organized by SUR. He urged the gathering to be knowledgeable as far as tribal land rights and issues are concerned.
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K. Timothy Zimik in his speech deliberated on the ‘Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reform Acts of 1960’. He emphasized the protection and codification of tribal land and forest rights as an important step to safeguard ancestral lands.
Leaders of Monsang village authority, Sirti Sanuw Ruh (SSR), Sirti Thiimjiitam Sourkhe (STS), Monsang church leaders and Christian mission workers, village women’s society, club leaders, public leaders, intellectuals, general public and well-wishers attended the important seminar in the larger interest of the Monsang community.
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The program was moderated by Upa Ng. Longly, Secretary, Assembly Affairs, SUR and Sapa K. Gedion, President STS as rapporteurs started with a prayer by Upa Ng. Johnson, Local Catechist, Holy Cross Catholic Church, Monsang Pantha. The resource person’s speech was followed by a discussion hour and special prayer for Sirti Ramchii meaning Monsang ancestral lands led by Upa Rev. Ts. Morison, Pastor, LiwaChangning Baptist Church. Vote of thanks and closing-cum-refreshment prayer was led by Upa Kumar Khartu, Chairman, Monsang Chiefs Association and Upa Rev. Sh. Shrimon, Pastor, Japhou Baptist Church respectively. Akip Monsang presented a beautiful number during the seminar program.
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