April 18-19, 2008 : Four-member delegation of ICITP-NEZ was facilitated to travel to New York from New Delhi to participate in the 7th session of United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Dr. Ram Dayal Munda led the delegation. The Team included Mr. Prafulla Hafilla, Mr. Brindaban Goswami and Mrs. Labanya Hazarika.
Apart from oral statement, ICITP-NEZ and CORE also submitted following joint written statement on Climate Change in the forum:
E/C.19/2008/CRP. 5
24 March 2008
English
Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Seventh session
New York , 21 April - 2 May 200
Written submission by Centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) with the support of Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, North East Zone (ICITP-NEZ) and Gender and Climate Change Network: Women for Climate Justice (GENCC)
Summary
The Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE), supported by the Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, North East Zone (ICITP-NEZ) and the Gender and Climate Change Network: Women for Climate Justice (Gen CC) jointly made presentations at the inter-active Expert Panel on Gender Perspectives on Climate Change [Item no. 3(b)] as the emerging issue at the 52nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women, New York, 25 February – 7 March 2008. Emerging challenges derived from specific lessons and experiences of indigenous women are highlighted in this report. Recommendations are made to the seventh session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII).
Provisional Agenda Item 3: Special Theme “Climate Change, Bio-Cultural Diversity and Livelihoods: The Stewardship Role of Indigenous Peoples and New Challenges”
Introduction:
1. The information in this paper is submitted by the Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE), and supported by the Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, North East Zone (ICITP-NEZ) and Gender and Climate Change Network: Women for Climate Justice (GENCC).
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2. The Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE), a member of the Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, North East Zone (ICITP-NEZ) participated in the inter-active Expert Panel on Gender Perspectives on Climate Change at the 52nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the emerging issue addressing climate change.
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3. The 52CSW examined this after the adoption of the Bali Plan of Action at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, Bali, in December 2007. The Bali road map affirms that addressing climate change effectively requires mitigation and adaptation action as well as technology and financing.
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4. This submission identifies key emerging challenges to the stewardship of indigenous peoples in safeguarding the world’s bio-cultural diversity, the very basis of our livelihoods. The global climate change crisis and the response of the international community to address it pose a range of threats critical to indigenous peoples’ survival. Such threats have a significant bias against indigenous women.
New Challenges to Indigenous Peoples’ Stewardship Role: A Gender Perspective.
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5. Intensification of discrimination against indigenous women: In societies with strong pro-male bias there is already an escalation of extreme forms of violence against women. Discrimination also intensifies when scarce resources have to be shared by too many, leaving girls and women as the most deprived and the most heavily burdened with survival imperatives for the family and society.
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6. Shrinking bio-sphere heritage: Extensive biosphere shrinkage is the reality of a narrowing resource base. Cultural colonization, privatization of the biosphere resources and their primary use in profit making means that the range of sub-surface terrestrial minerals, plants, animals and fossil products used by humans is rapidly narrowing. Extraction and over-use leads to the disbalancing of their place in the world with other things, living or non-living.
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7. Appropriation of indigenous knowledge: The intensive search for new technologies for corporate expansion are now appropriating indigenous knowledge, much of which is the traditional preserve of women. As the biosphere degrades, such knowledge becomes less useful in the original environment or as more women are evicted or forcibly displaced this knowledge becomes disused in the community, replaced by expensive commercial products.
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8. Loss of indigenous language and cultures: The loss of Indigenous knowledge, indigenous language and culture is an effect of the eradication of bio-diversity, including indigenous knowledge, technologies and systems for indigenous women.
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9. Loss of livelihoods: Indigenous women are the main beneficiaries as well as anchors of traditional indigenous livelihoods. Such livelihoods are inter-dependent with the integrity of the lands and natural resource base and of indigenous knowledge systems. The erosion and loss of this integrity without their replacement by alternative sustainable livelihoods is a grave threat.
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10. Cost-Benefiting and pricing of “environmental services”: The insidious practice of pricing at market values and cost benefit analyses of so called environmental services is fundamentally objectionable to indigenous spirituality and values. At a more pragmatic level it is inherently discriminatory, where the product of western, capitalist technocratic outputs are priced higher than efforts of indigenous peoples especially of indigenous women deriving from indigenous knowledge and processes.
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11. Present priorities to address climate change erode rights to land and natural resources:
Commercialization of climate change response actions manifest specifically in the carbon market and emissions trading escalate the magnitude of climate disaster over even the short term. Rights of indigenous women, indigenous cultures rights to land and natural resources are victims of climate change responses under the:
(a) Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), including RED/REDD (Reduce Emissions from Deforestation/Reduced Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries) the new initiative to restore forest,
(b) The World Bank’s Clean Energy Investment Framework (and the funds created under its mandate),
(C) The inclusion of forests in carbon markets including through the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and other World Bank carbon schemes,
(d) False solutions to climate change that threaten indigenous peoples and women that include agro-fuels, genetic modification, carbon offsetting, nuclear, large hydro dams, carbon capture and storage, nanotechnology and climate engineering.
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12. Privatization and commercialization of disaster response: The privatization and commercialization of disaster response whether post-war/conflict or after extreme natural events raises the costs of rehabilitation. Reconstruction programmes have become inadequate to the task and driven by profit rather than humanitarian concerns.
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13. Emerging new and old diseases: Diseases are re-emerging and new diseases are also affecting human and other species, plant and animal, on which we depend for food and other necessities. Many of these affect across species with implications for the resource base that women depend on and women’s health.
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14. Competition from profiteering corporate bodies: Competition between corporate bodies and their allies, financing institutions and poor communities dependent on land and water resources is violent. Governments are constrained by trade and debt commitments or otherwise incited or coerced to support corporate takeover of these resources. Corporations use private armies or military to enforce occupation of such lands. Women are closely involved in these struggles and targeted for exemplary punitive action.
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15. Emerging conflicts and threats to human security: climate change has increased human migration and armed conflict over resources. Threats to human security have devastating impact on women’s security of person, health and livelihoods. Indigenous women are disproportionately affected, with longer term discrimination against their status and role.
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16. Anti-poor state policies: Privatization of essential services (health, education, energy, water) and of forests, lands, natural and cultural resources, seriously undermines women’s capacity in climate change adaptation. When traditional communities break up because of displacement, women lose their material and social supports and safety nets. In disasters, natural or human induced; women are most deprived and least assisted. Dwindling governmental resources, also an effect of liberal trade regimes, further limits them from offering adequate support.
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17. Exclusion from government and inter-government decision making processes: Consultation and participation in decision making does not mean the mere listening to or recording of views of indigenous women but of integrating these into decisions. Indigenous women are consistently excluded from meaningful participation in vital on-going processes under the International Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UNFCCC, national decision making on climate change adaptation and mitigation, and biological diversity.
Recommendations:
The Permanent Forum should engage with efforts undertaken under the core environment treaties of the Rio Conference of 1994 - the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the International Convention on Biological Diversity, including those of the concerned UN specialised bodies, programmes and agencies, to ensure that:
1. Gender perspectives, equity and indigenous women’s rights are mainstreamed to conserve, protect restore and enhance the diversity of cultures and biosphere, to plan and implement a viable strategy to address climate change, eventually restore the biosphere, enable effective mitigation and adaptation.
(a) Gender mainstreaming in all policies and interventions under UNFCCC, including Clean Development Mechanism, Technology Cooperation, Adaptation and Mitigation; the CBD and its relevant working groups, inter alia, on Article 8(j), Protected Areas.
(b) Adequate support including but not restricted to financial support must be afforded for the equal participation of indigenous women in these intergovernmental and related national governmental processes and programmes at all levels of decision making and implementation.
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2. No harm principle should inform stringent standards in all CDM or technology transfer projects under UNFCCC. No harm should be caused to either environment or human communities among whom such projects are implemented or technology is transferred. Projects that violate human, women’s or indigenous rights or high risk technology should not be permitted, whether these are economically viable or otherwise.
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3. Costs of CDM projects and technology transfer, whether from developed countries or sections of society or others, must be wholly borne by developed countries or by polluting contaminating or resource exhausting industries and commercial activities. Contingent agreements for goods or services that erode the sustainability and autonomy of the concerned country or community should not be part of such projects. Financial benefit should not be a deciding consideration for initiatives necessary for environmental and human security.
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4. Applicability of endogenous knowledge, particularly local indigenous knowledge, technologies and systems shall be a principle.
(a) Local traditional and indigenous knowledge holders to be preferred initiators, implementers and supervisors of technological introduction and dissemination.
(b) External expertise to support local communities and environments shall prioritise transfer of know-how to local holding. Costs of technology transfer to cover the costs of training and sustainability.
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5. Harmonisation and non-conflict of policies, legislation and programmes implicating all commercial, development and environment related aspects of human activity. This will enable effective implementation and avoid the present loopholes that permit ongoing damage to indigenous societies or to the environment
The Permanent Forum should also engage with and advise efforts by the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) affecting Indigenous Women and collaborate with the Commission to ensure:
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6. Gender Perspectives and equity as a standard informing all policies and initiatives under UNFCCC especially in regard to full and informed participation of indigenous women, the integrity of natural and cultural heritage and rights to self determined development.
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7. The CSW to be requested to engage with the Permanent Forum and UNFCCC processes to ensure the protection of indigenous women’s rights in adaptation and mitigation programmes, and to cooperation on technology. The CSW and the UNPFII should jointly engage with the UNFCCC to assure proper and gender equitable allocation of financial resources, capacity building and training.
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April 21, 2009: ICITP-NEZ participated in a consultation meeting with Mr. Mike Dottridge, Consultant of Minority Rights Group International, London, who visited New Delhi for follow up programme on Human Rights issues in India and participation of Indigenous Peoples in different international conferences for their causes. Mr. J.R. Muchahary led the ICITP team in the consultation with Mr. Dottridge at Delhi Hut, New Delhi.
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May 14-31, 2008 : Mr. J.R.Muchahary, the President of ICITP-NEZ was nominated and participated in the 9th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP-9) of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Bonn, Germany. International Indigenous Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB) sponsored his participation.
June 7, 2008 : A team of ICITP-NEZ members and Panbari Manas National Park Protection & Ecotourism Society had a joint meeting with Mr. Rafikul Hussain, Hon’ble Minister of the Forest & Environment of Assam on the role of the NGOs for the protection of the forest wealth in Manas and the government’s support for their initiatives. ICITP-NEZ also briefed him on the proposed case study of the Forest of Bodoland Territorial Council jointly undertaken by ICITP-NEZ and UN-EPLC, Korea. Though the out come of the meeting was satisfactory but the attitude of the government towards financial assistance to the NGOs seemed to not encouraging.
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June 15, 2008: A joint team of ICITP-NEZ and Society for Aie Valley Manas Area Road and Communication Development participated in a meeting of Indian Institute of Entrepreneurs, Guwahati, Assam on PPPP (Peoples, Panchayat and Private Partnership) concept. The Meeting was graced by Shri Mani Sankar Iyar, the Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Government of India. The ICITP team was led by Dr. Ram Dayal Munda, the Chief President of the organization.
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June 16-22, 2008 : Mr. J.R.Muchahary, the President of ICITP-NEZ participated in the 2nd Asia Leadership Training Programme of United Nations Environment Programme- Eco Peace Learning Centre (UNEP-EPLC), held at the 60th Anniversary Hall of Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea. Mr. Muchahary undertook a case study entitled as “New Forest Law and its lack of conceptual clarity leading to conflicts and the current threat to the forest of Bodoland Territorial Council” under UNEP-EPLC.
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June 26-28, 2008 : ICITP Arunachal Pradesh State Committee members visited the Bodo heartland to interact with different Bodo Social/Nationalist organizations to strengthen the solidarity peace and cooperation between the people of Arunachal Pradesh and the Boro Indigenous people of Assam. The team was led by Mrs. Jarjum Ete and Mr. Bamang Duchok.
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June 29, 2008 : ICITP-NEZ and Dimasa Peoples’ Council (DPC) jointly nominated Mr. Thinley Penjore, the President of Druk National Congress, Bhutan but now exiled in Nepal to the third Asian Democracy and Human Rights Award for 2008, instituted by Taiwan Foundation for Democracy, Taiwan. ICITP-NEZ along with DPC has decided to nominate him for this prestigious award for his tremendous contribution to the pro-democracy movement in Bhutan, for which Bhutan has achieved Monarchial Democracy in 2008.
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June 30, 2008 : ICITP-NEZ submitted a project to IFAD Indigenous Peoples’ Assistance Facility for US $ 26,850. ICITP-NEZ also nominated Mr. J.R. Muchahary to apply for VIII International Human Rights Colloquium to be held in Sao Paulo in Brazil from November 8-15, 2008. It also nominated to apply Mr. Ananda Basumatary, Life member and the Joint Secretary of ICITP Assam State Committee to participate in the Video Advocacy Workshop to be held in September 2008 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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July 21, 2008 : ICITP-NEZ supported a proposed project on Dairy Farm put forwarded by Dimasa Dairy Cooperative Society, Haflong, NC Hills to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India and the President of ICITP-NEZ personally accompanied the team of the DDCS to meet the Chief Regional Manager of State Bank of India, Silchar to apprise of the proposed project. The project is routed only through any nationalized Bank and hence the proposed project had to be submitted through SBI, Silchar regional Branch, Silchar.
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July 27- August 7, 2008 : ICITP-NEZ had a hectic preparation for celebrating the 9th August, the International Day of the World Indigenous Peoples with a one-day seminar on “The United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Indigenous Peoples of the North East India.’ Translation of the UNDRIP in to Boro language was completed and got released from Deep Press on 7th of August for official release on the 9th August.
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August 8, 2008 : ICITP-NEZ held a Press Conference on the proposed one-day seminar on “The United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Indigenous Peoples of the North East India” at the Guwahati Press Club, Guwahati at 11:00 AM. The Press Conference was addressed by Mr. Jebra Ram Muchahary, Mr. Matindra Daimary, Mr. Ashiko Pimu, Mr. Sabda Ram Rabha and Ms. Pompi Basumatary.
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August 9, 2008 : A one day Regional Seminar on “The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Indigenous Peoples of North East India” was organized by Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples, North East Zone (ICITP-NEZ) and its 52member organizations supported by allies on 9th August 2008, at Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra, Panjabari, Guwahati-37, Assam in India from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Seminar provided a first ever public and open platform for the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the region to mark and celebrate the 9th August – the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People collectively for the first time in the region.
Amid cultural extravaganza, the Seminar was attended by over 300 delegates representing more than 20 different tribes of the North East which includes- Tangkul Nagas, Sema Nagas, Konyak Nagas, Boros, Kukis, Khasis, Dimasas, Rabhas, Deoris, Jayantias or Pnars, Karbis, Boroks (Tripuris), Meeteis, Khamtis, Adis, Nishis, Hmars, Sonowal Kocharis and Koch-Rajbongshis. The inaugural function was graced by Shri Shivcharan Mathur, the Governor of Assam as the Chief Guest and Chaired by Mrs. Jarjum Ete, Former Chairperson, State Commission of Women, Member of Central Advisory Committee, Ministry of Pachayati Raj, Governing member Board, Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, Ministry of WCD, Government of India and President of IWRC, Arunachal Pradesh. Mr. Dilip Nunisa, Chairman, DHD and Dr. Motilal Nunisa, participated as the guest of honour in the inaugural function.
Shri Shiv Charan Mathur, the Governor of Assam, who was welcomed and facilitated with traditional dance and gifts, released the translated Boro version of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (DRIP) to mark and to aware the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People and greeted the Indigenous Peoples of the region. It is to be mentioned here that the cost of translation of DRIP was financially supported jointly by Mr. John Boroyary, Programme Officer, UNDP, New Delhi; Mr. Kamal Narzary, MLA, Bijni, Assam; Dr. Geeta Basumatary, Chairperson, APSC, Guwahati, Assam; Mrs. Rahila Brahma, Secretary, BTC, Kokrajhar, Assam and Mr. D. Basumatary, Kokrajhar and translated jointly by Mr. Satyanath Basumatary, Mr. Ananda Basumatary and Mr. Nathanael Basumatary. Shri Mathur assured his commitment to ensure that the interest of the Indigenous Peoples would be protected as per the constitution of the country.
Mr. Jebra Ram Muchahary, the President of Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples North East Zone (ICITP-NEZ) in his key note address elaborated about the background of the Indigenous Peoples’ movement beginning from 1984 under the aegis of United Nations Working Group of Indigenous Populations (UNWGIP) and United Nations Working Group on Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNWGDD) leading to the final adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on 13th September 2007 by the 61st General Assembly. Citing examples of ongoing adverse impact due to massive illegal influx of Bangladeshis in to the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples land and territories, he cautioned the Indigenous Peoples of the North East of further threat of becoming minority in their own domains and to remain united and alert in safeguarding their land, territories, forest, culture, tradition from all possible threats to their existence. He also appealed the Government of India to fully implement the spirits of the 46 articles enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for the welfare of the 100 millions Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of India.
Following 13 panelists spoke during the seminar moderated by Mr. B. B. Hagjer, the Commissioner of Forest, Assam:
Naga People : Mr. S.Varah, Member, Peace Monitoring Group, NSCN (IM), Nagaland,
Boro People : Mr. Motindra Daimary, President, Manas Agrang Society, BTC, ASSAM
Kuki People : Mr. K Chongloi, Kuki People’s representative, Kangpokpi, Manipur
Rabha People : Mr. Sabda Ram Rabha, General Secretary, ICITP-NEZ, Guwahati, Assam
Twipra People : Mr. Lowerence Hrangkawl, Borok People’s representative, Agartala, Tripura
Dimasa People : Mr. Uttam Chand Barman, Chairman, Dimasa People’s Council (DPC), Silchar, Assam
Deori People : Mrs. Amrit Probha Deori, Former Chief Executive Member of Deori Autonomous Council, Assam
Khasi People : Mr. Bah H Skhemlon, Sirdar Mawdon State- the Assembly of Hynniewtrep Nations, Meghalaya
Meetei People : Mr. S.K. Apangbam, Member of Threatened Indigenous Peoples’ Society (TIPS), Imphal, Manipur
Khamti People : Mrs. Mong Maw Dharmawoti, President Arunachal Women’s Welfare Society, Itanagar, AP
Hmar People : Mr. Lal Choisang, Member, Hmar Peoples’ Union, NC Hills, Assam
Karbi People : Mr. Mirjeng Kro, Secretary, Karbi Student’s Association (KSA), Karbi Anglong, Assam
Koch- Rajbongshis: Mr. Biswajit Rai, President, All Koch Rajbongshi Students ’ Union (AKRSU), Bongaigaon, Assam
The panelists shared their experiences, focused their attention to recognize their historical ties and expressed their positions as well as commit themselves to work together unitedly for their honourable survival and just peace in the region to ensure to fulfill their aspirations and need.
Nagas: The Nagas reiterated that they have been independent since time immemorial and therefore, their struggle is to oust Indian occupation of their land. They only demand that India leave them alone.
Boros: The Boros expressed serious concerned over the continued flooding of outsiders/illegal migrants in their land and territories. They said their very survival is threatened due to continued dispossession from their land, forest and water resources. They drew serious attention of ongoing conflict over the protection of their forest and natural resources and urged the house to support their movement to protect their land, forest and natural resources, particularly appealed to support to protect and conserve the famous Manas National Park from the illegal influx and their massive encroachment.
The Boro People also said that their culture, religion, language, tradition and custom are greatly influenced adversely by the systematic assimilative onslaught administrative policies and repressive measures taken by their unfriendly governments and their agents who are all bent to further marginalize by encouraging and protecting the interest of the flooding illegal migrants from Bangladesh, West Bengal, Nepal and other parts of the country in their heartland. They warned to launch the democratic mass movement to free their occupied land and territories, particularly to revive all the 48 Tribal Belts and Blocks in Assam. They strongly criticized the government for patronizing the outsiders rather than protecting the genuine interest of the natives in India only for their political gain. They also demanded that the political solution be made to solve the Boroland movement at the earliest to prevent from further escalation of violent activities in the region.
Kukis: The Kuki People expressed solidarity in the Indigenous Peoples’ movement to protect their distinct identities, culture, land and territories. He said that Kuki like any other tribes in the region would continue to struggle to defend their peoples’ interest.
Hmars: The Hmar People reiterated their demand for creation of a separate administrative unit for Hmars in N C Hills to safeguard, promote and protect their socio-culture and political rights. They said that they have been suffering in the hands of majority communities around them.
Karbis: Karbi People from Karbi Anglong reiterated their demands for separate Autonomous State for the Karbis under Sixth Schedule. They said that they are discontented by the non execution of the provisions as promised in the Sixth Schedule and also step motherly treatment meted out to them in every sphere. They also expressed their unhappiness for dividing the Karbis in the manner – only the Karbis residing on the hills are recognized as Scheduled Tribe. They thus demand for recognition of plains settling Karbis as Scheduled Tribe (Plains).
Meetei: The Meetei people from Manipur expressed concern over the failure to uphold the Indigenous Mongoloid character of the Indigenous Mongoloid Peoples of the region leading to fading of their identities, culture and tradition and strongly recommended to form an Apex Body of the North Eastern Region of India for their common cause and survival as distinct Mongoloid Peoples.
Dimasas: The Dimasa People said that India’s ‘Divide & Rule’ policy has scattered Dimasas in more than 9 districts of Assam. They are unhappy about some sections not being recognized as Scheduled Tribes. Influx of outsiders and neglected by State and Central Government in developmental fields are another factors of their resentment. Their chief demand is protection of their identity, culture; assurance of political rights (representation in the assemblies). They also strongly demand the government to create a separate Dimasa State –DIMARAJI under the leadership of Dima Halam Daoga (DHD).
Khamtis: The Khamtis from Arunachal Pradesh expressed their solidarity with the rest of the Indigenous Peoples of the region and vowed to fight against injustice meted against the natives of the region. They also appealed the august gathering to extend their support to strengthen their linkage not only within but also with the neighbouring Indigenous Peoples scattered in different modern states.
Indigenous Peoples of the North East India and assured that Deori People will fully cooperate in the Indigenous Peoples movement for protection and promotion of their identity, culture, tradition and socio-political interest.
Khasis: The Khasi representatives alleged that Government of India betrayed its National commitment to the Assembly of Hynniewtrep Nations, which includes the federation of 25 Khasi States, the Sirdarships, and Ka Dorbar ki Doloi. They demand that urgent constitutional flexible safeguards are required to ensure true “Unity in Diversity in this country of multitude Nations who have united together some willfully and some by brute force, it is this forceful annexation of these small Independent Republics that is today engaging society made clear that any attempt to explore “Facilitation of Partnerships” should be based on understanding in- depth the Historical, Social, Cultural and Political structure past and present of the Indigenous Nations. Failure by successive Central Governments for the past 57 years coupled with cosmetic policies till date to address these issues individually is in their view the reason for present upheaval and frustrations erupting in different forms leading to disastrous consequences facing them today. They recommend re-visiting the Indigenous treaty rights to respect the Indigenous peoples and their institutions. They also criticized the Government of India for their successive failure to correct the Constitutional Anomaly to recognize the Indigenous Institutions since Independence to be a part of the governance. They also further affirmed that the right to self -government is an Indigenous right and there should be substantial re-ordering of powers, because human rights also includes the right of people to self-determination. They demand immediate Constitutional Political Autonomy and space for Indigenous Hynniewtrep Nations in accordance with the Standstill Arrangements of 1947 and to desist from a unitary policy of approach.
Rabhas: The Rabhas reiterated their demand for 6th scheduled status of their Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council with immediate effect for the protection of their land and territories.
Twipras: The Twipra Indigenous People from Tripura drew serious attention over the ongoing massive illegal influx, state sponsored population transfer and domination of outsider Bengali settlers in their home where they have been turned to be a clear microscopic minority of 20% today. They re-affirmed that Tripura belonged to Borok Indigenous People, which was independent state till 14th October 1949. They revealed that only on 15th of October 1949, Tripura merged with India on the basis of the Instrument of Accession. They made it clear that the sufferings of the Borok Indigenous people can be addressed only by creating a separate State for them through suitable amendment under article – 244 (A) of the constitution of India under the leadership of National Conference of Tripura and therefore appealed the house to support and intervene in favour of their demand for safeguard of the Twipra Indigenous People.
Koch-Rajbongshis: The Koch-Rajbongshis claimed that they are Mongoloid Indigenous People scattered in present Assam, West Bengal, Bangladesh and Nepal. They said that historical injustice occurred with them as they have been deprived of their rightful status of Scheduled Tribe (ST) and turned to be minority in their own soil. They reiterated their on going demand of creation of Kamatapur State comprising the Koch-Rajbongshis dominated areas of Assam and West Bengal and Scheduled Tribe status. Summing up the whole deliberation, Mr. B.B Hagjer, the moderator of the seminar said that ICITP has an onerous task ahead of working against all odds to ensure the basic in the declaration of the United Nations be available to the Indigenous Peoples in the region and the country.
The following resolutions were adopted after the prolong deliberations:
Resolution No 1: The House resolved to form an APEX BODY of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the North East India to safeguard the interest of the Indigenous Peoples of North Eastern Region unitedly facilitated by ICITP.
Resolution No 2: The house resolved to submit a memorandum to the Government of India to ratify the ILO Convention 169 and to implement the 46 articles enshrined in the United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Resolution No 3: The house resolved to support the ongoing movement initiated by various groups of local peoples to stop flooding of illegal influx of Bangladeshis and other parts of the neighbouring countries in the region.
Resolution No 4: The house resolved to extend support to all the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples democratic socio-political movements to fulfill their need and aspirations.
The seminar finally came to an end with the proposal of vote of thanks by Mr. Sabda Ram Rabha, General Secretary of Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples North East Zone.
August 17, 2008 : ICITP-NEZ assisted to transport a Tribal patient Karen Basumatary from Bijni to Guwahati for emergency treatment in Guwahati but unfortunately the patient died on the road and the dead body was taken back to Bijni for traditional last rites. ICITP-NEZ organized a vehicle to send back the family members of the deceased on humanitarian ground.
August 31, 2008 : A three-member delegation of ICITP-NEZ, led by Jebra Ram Muchahary, the President of the organization had a brief meeting with Mr. Kampa Borgoyari, the Deputy Chief Executive member of Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), Kokrajhar to apprise of the proposed field trip related to case study on the Forest of BTC under taken by ICITP-NEZ in collaboration with UNEP-EPLC, Korea.
September 4, 2008 : ICITP-NEZ facilitated Mr. Phungkha Mahilary, a noted Bodo singer and composer to produce a Bodo Patriotic Audio CD “Sonani Bodoland” to sensitize on Conflict & Peace among the Bodo Indigenous Peoples in the region.
September 7, 2008 : A three-member delegation team headed by Mr. J.R.Muchahary of ICITP-NEZ participated in a one-day Seminar on Political Justice and Socio-Economic Development, Historical & Cultural Identity, Security of Lives & Property, Education and Merginalisation of Dimasa Peoples of Dhansiri “ organized by All Dimasa Students Union (ADSU) at Dhansiri Higher Secondary School, Dhansiri in Karbi Anglong District.
September 8, 2008 : ICITP-NEZ team was invited to the liaison office of DHD (D) at Dhansiri for courtesy visit on the way back to Guwahati along with All Dimasa Students’ Union team.
September 16, 2008: ICITP-NEZ along with the leadership of All Dimasa Students’ Union participated in the 4th North East Business Summit held at National Game Stadium, Guwahati where we had a brief discussion with Mr. Subodh Kant Sahaya, Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing Industries on the development of Dimasa Dairy Farm’ project submitted to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, New Delhi.
September 17-19 : ICITP-NEZ along with Panbari National Park Protection & Eco-tourism Society carried out a three day on spot survey of the encroached forestland in Kochugaon & Haltugaon forest divisions. This survey is a part of a joint case study between Indian Confederation of Indigenous and tribal Peoples North East Zone (ICITP-NEZ) and Eco Peace Leadership Centre (EPLC), Korea entitled as “EPLC-ICITP-NEZ New Forest Law and its lack of conceptual clarity leading to conflicts and the current threat to the forest of Bodoland Territorial Council”. Mr. Ghana Khanta Basumatary, Ranger of Haltugaon Forest Range, assisted the survey team along with his several forest guards and several Jawans from SSB camp in Saralpara. They also had interviews with the DFO of Kachugaon, Ranger of Kachugaon and several NGOs working for the protection of the forest in their respective areas. The team also had an interview with Mr. Girish Basumatary, Council Head of the Department, Kokrajhar.
September 23-27, 2008 : Mr. J.R.Muchahary, the President of ICITP-NEZ participated in the “1st Indigenous World Forum on Water and Peace” held at the Glenairley Centre for Earth and Spirit Conference Centre, Coast Salish Territory in East Sooke, British Columbia, Canada. He has been selected as the advisor of the Adhoc Committee of the Indigenous World Forum on Water and Peace to represent Indigenous Peoples of Asia.
September 28- October3, 2008 : Two representatives from ICITP-NEZ namely Mr. Biswajit Ray and Mr. Prafulla Hafilla along with Dr. Ram Dayal Munda and Mr. Vela Ram Ghogra participated in the 1st session of Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples held at Geneva.
October 4- 10, 2009 : ICITP-NEZ organized Goodwill & Peace Mission team and visited the victims of communal clashes at Udalguri and Darrang districts of Assam on 10th of October for on spot assessment of the situation, appeal to maintain peace and to provide relief materials. After visit, the following press release was made:
Press Release
A Goodwill and Peace Mission, comprising several Civil Society organizations and prominent individuals went to violence hit areas of Udalguri and Darrang Districts of Assam on 10th of October 2008 to draw a first hand impression of the humanitarian crisis and to appeal for peace and harmony and early restoration of normalcy among the people of the affected areas. The organizations and persons represented in the group included:-
- Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples North East Zone (ICITP-NEZ), Guwahati;
- All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU), Haflong;
- All Koch-Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU), Bongaigaon;
- Kamrup Chamber of Commerce, Guwahati;
- Nagaland Gandhi Ashram; Panbari Manas National Park Protection and Eco-tourism Society (PMNPPES);
- Churches’ Auxiliary Social Action (CASA), Guwahati;
- Grassroots Option, Shillong;
- North East Diocesan Social Forum, Guwahati;
- Women’s Development Center, Guwahati;
- Action Aid, Guwahati;
- Panbari Manas national Park Protection and Ecotourism Society, Panbari, Bijni, BTC
- Catholic Relief Service, Guwahati;
- Caritas India, Guwahati;
- Dan Church Aid, South Asia Regional Office, New Delhi.
As a token of the teams concern for the violence hit people a small consignment of relief material was also carried and presented.
The delegations visited six relief camps in the two districts cutting across all communities and interacted with the inmates of the relief camps to understand of the immediate problems and needs. The team also tried to comprehend the concerns with regard to safety and early restoration of normalcy in their lives. The relief camps visited by the team are as follows: -
- Udalguri College .
- Udalguri Girls’ Higher Secondary School
- Bellow Chaobari L. P. School .
- Karaibari UN Brahma M.E.School
- Boro Bazar High School and
- Burigaon Power Sub Station Relief Camp
The mission having visited the affected areas and having absorbed the experience of the violence-affected communities clearly understood that extremism of any group and violence is highly detrimental to well being of society. The mission strongly condemned the violence that occurred and appeals to all sections of people to refrain from indulging in acts of violence.
While the mission recognized the relief efforts of all concerned it was felt that basic amenities in the relief camp require immediate improvement. Anxiety, fear and insecurity is prevailing in all sections of the population and people have lost confidence in authority so Confidence Building measures need to be taken up immediately.
The mission would like to suggest the followings:
- To enhance security measures in the areas where possibility of violence exist through visible presence and movement of security personnel;
- As a priority measures should be taken to allow communities to harvest their crops with out fear;
- Steps for safe and secured return and rehabilitation of affected people should be initiated by creating a congenial atmosphere;
- Humanitarian aid as per the relief code of the government should be provided to all affected families as deemed necessary by the communities themselves;
- We appeal to the media to portray a clear and restrained picture of the events to prevent rumours and misinformation which may heighten the prevailing tension;
- Government and Civil Society should actively come forward to create conditions for peace and harmony across the state so as to prevent such out break of violence in near future;
While concluding this statement the mission was delighted to receive information from the Christian Coordination Committee, Udalguri that people from both sides of the divide are harvesting their crops in some pockets.
October 11, 2009 : ICITP-NEZ along with All Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union (AKRSU) and All Dimasa Students’ Union (ADSU) organized a Press Conference on the Goodwill and Peace Mission at Guwahati Press Club.
October 21-24 : David Brothers from EDGE REACHOUT, Kentucky, USA came to visit ICITP-NEZ to workout jointly for upcoming training programme on PURE WATER. The team comprised of David brothers, William and few members from ICITP-NEZ. They visited Barlawgaon Village Church and the proposed training site at Sonapur, Guwahati.
30 October, 2009 : A Black Day in the history of Assam due to serial Bomb blast that rocked Guwahati, Kokrajhar, Barpeta and Bongaigaon killing several peoples and injuring more than 200 innocent peoples. The serial blats were reportedly carried out by suspected local militant groups. ICITP-NEZ strongly condemned the violence activities carried out by the militants in the state.
November 11, 2009 : ICITP-NEZ received a communication from MHA regarding seminar on Peace & development to be held in Guwahati.
November 23, 2009 : ICITP-NEZ participated in a non-formal meeting of PRIO International Peace Research Institute, Oslo at the Hotel Brahmaputra, Guwahati at 10:30 AM. The meeting was coordinated by Mr. Nani Gopal Mahanta, the Coordinator of Peace & Conflict studies, Gauhati University, Assam.
November 26, 2009 : Dr. Ram Dayal Munda and Mr. Jebra Ram Muchahary held a meeting with Mr. M. B Kausal, consultant of MHA on the permission matter of upcoming programme on Peace & Development to be held at Guwahati in January 2009.
December 27, 2009 : Mr. J.R.Muchahary and Mr. Prafulla Hafila met the Governor of Meghalaya Shri Ranjit Shekar Mooshahary at his official residence at Rajbhawan, Shillong to invite him to inaugurate a two-day Workshop-cum-Seminar on Peace & Development with a special theme “ Peace alone leads to Development & Prosperity” to be held from January 10-11, 2009. His Excellency the governor has consented to inaugurate the programme.
January 10-11, 2009 : ICITP-NEZ organized a two-day regional workshop-cum-seminar on Peace & Development along with its member organizations. After the programme the following press release was made to public for their information.
PRESS RELEASE
19/01/2009
A regional workshop-cum-seminar on Peace & Development
January 10& 11, 2009 at Guwahati, India
INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF NORTH EAST EXPRESS STRONG DETERMINATION FOR PEACE
Representatives from a cross section of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples of the North East made a declaration about their strong determination to make an effort to finding an amicable and lasting peace for the region and bring an end to the uncertainties that cause pain and sufferings to the people. This was the outcome of the two-day Workshop-cum-Seminar that was hosted by the Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal Peoples North East Zone (ICITP-NEZ) that was held in Guwahati on January 10 & 11, 2009.
Inaugurating the workshop, Shri R.S. Mooshahary, Governor of Meghalaya said, “Human society is conflict-prone and not conflict-free, due to clash of interests. No chapter in history is free from wars and skirmishes. But if we have to get the best out of life, then we must realise the importance of peace.”
Earlier Shri J.R. Muchahary, President, ICITP stated that the aim of the WORKSHOP-CUM-SEMINAR was to provide Civil Society Leaders, Peace Workers, Peace Practitioners, Social Thinkers, Journalists, Academicians, Students, Religious Leaders, Government Agencies and Decision Makers from India’s Northeast an opportunity for a collective platform to interact and share their views and strengthen their collective efforts to:
1. Create a common space for meeting of various civil social leaders, civil societies activists, advocates, scholars, entrepreneurs, leaders of business communities, journalists, peace workers and practitioners, religious leaders, academicians and students of different states in the region to share their opinions to collectively contribute in awareness campaign on disadvantage of violence in the region;
2. Aware on the futility of violence;
3. Explore collective views on developing and building pathways to peace in the region through effective participation in dialogue with the concern party/parties including government and to evolve culturally appropriate policy recommendations to the government to realise the sustainable development activities.
4. Enhance in exploring to identity the root causes of the internal conflicts and evolving mechanisms for peaceful conflict resolution for lasting and meaningful peace building processes;
5. Enhancing capacities for evolving culturally appropriate development policies for effective & sustainable development in the region.
That the objectives of the workshop was fulfilled to a great extent is evident from the fact that two eminent Gandhians of the region, Padmashri Natwar Thakkar and Padmashri Ravindranath Uphadaya were present at the event along with representatives of diverse civil society organizations such as Bodo Sahitya Sabha, All Dimasa Sahitya Sabha, All Rabha Students’ Union, All Dimasa Students’ Union, All Adivasi Students Association of Assam, Kuki Students Organisation, Birsa Commando Force, Peoples’ Consultative Group, Twipra Students Federation, All Koch Rajbonshi Students’ Union, Ao Baptist Church, All Minority Students Union Dimasa Peoples’ Council etc and outfits like Dima Halam Daogah and Birsa Commando Force . Front ranking academicians, journalists and social workers were among over hundred delegates who participated in the workshop -cum -seminar.
Dr Ram Dayal Munda, Former VC of Ranchi University, who chaired the inaugural session, expressed happiness over the fact that the civil society in the North East was waking up to the problems faced by the indigenous communities.
Addressing the valedictory session, eminent journalist Shri D.N. Bezboruah stressed on the need for non-alienation of the indigenous people from their ancestral land and good sensible education which can give them ‘real security.’ He expressed his confidence that the two-day workshop-cum-seminar had achieved a great deal in that direction.
The two-day event was addressed by eminent speakers, which includes:
- Smt. Jarjum Ete, State Commission of Women, Member of Central Advisory Committee, Ministry of Pachayati Raj, Governing Member Board, Rashtriya Mahila Kosh, Ministry of WCD, Government of India and President of IWRC, Arunachal Pradesh;
- Dr. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Reader, Political Science, GU, Coordinator, Peace and Conflict Studies, GU, Guwahati;
- Padmishri Natwar Thakkar, Founder General Secretary, Nagaland Gandhi Asharam, Guwahati; Padmishri Rabindra Nath Uphadaya, Director, TAGS, Baksa; BTC, Assam
- Dr. T.T.Haokip, Professor, Dept of Pol Science, NEHU, Shillong; Meghalaya
- Dr. Akhil Ranjan Dutta, Preofessor, GU, Guwahati, Assam;
- Dr. Kameswar Brahma, President of Boro Sahitya Sabha, Gossaigaon, BTC, Assam;
- Dr. Ranoj Pegu, the President of MMM, Dhemaji, MAC, Assam;
- 10.Mr. D.N Bezboruah, the founder Editor of the Sentinel, Guwahati, Assam;
- 11.Mr. Brindaban Goswami, MLA & Former President and leader of opposition, Assam Legistlative Assembly, Guwahati; Assam;
- 12.Mr. Thaneswar Boro, former Education Minister of Assam, Guwahati, Assam;
- 13.Mr. Samudra Gupta Kashyab, Chief of Indian Express Bureau, Guwahati, Assam;
- 14.Mr. Wasbir Hussain, Director, Centre for Development and Peace Studies, Guwahati and Former Member, National Security Advisory Board, India.
Among other non- state actor stakeholders the following leaders of different civil societies and armed groups on ceasefire agreement attended the workshop cum seminar to express their views on the peace process, which includes:
- Mr. Dilip Nunisa, the Chairman of DHD, Haflong, NC Hills, Assam;
- Mr. Birsing Munda, the C-in-C of Birsa Commando Force, Bongaigaon, Assam;
- Mr. Joseph Minz, the General Secretary, AASAA, Dibrugarh, Assam;
- Mr. Prafulla Hafila, President of All Dimasa Students' Union, Haflong, NC Hills, Assam;
- Mr. Tankeswar Rabha, President of All Rabha Students' Union, Dudhnai, RHAC, Assam;
- Mr. Upendra Debbarma, President of Tripura Students' Union, Agartala, Tripura;
- Mr. Abdul Aziz, the working President of All Minority Students' Union, Dhubri, Assam;
- Mr. Biswajit Rai, President of All Koch Rajbongshi Students' Union, Bongaigaon, Assam;
- Mr. Thoren Boro, Former Vice President of Boro Sahitya Sabha, Guwahati, Assam;
- Mr. Yangerlemba, Vice Principal, Peoples' College, Mokokchung, Nagaland;
- Mr. Dipon Thaosen, Vice President, Dimasa Peoples' Council, Haflong, NC Hills; Assam;
- Mr. Jiten Borgoyari, Director of Welfare of Plains Tribals, Guwahati, Assam;
- Mr. Tongthap Tauthap, Advisor, Kuki Students' Organisation, K Along, KAAC, Assam;
- Mr. B. B. Narzary, Senior Advocate, Guwahati High court, Guwahati, Assam;
- Mr. Goerge Swansi, Principal, St. Xavier’s Education Foundation, Howly, Assam;
- Mr. Mrinal Kanti Phonglosa, Vice President, Dimasa Sahitya Sabha, NC Hills, Assam
- Mr. K Changloi, Imphal, Manipur
The first out come of the workshop-cum-seminar was the historic coming together of different civil societies’ leaders and arms groups to share their views on the PEACE process and to contribute through cooperation to find amicable peaceful solution to their various problems. The workshop resolved that the stakeholders of ICITP are the soldiers of peace who have to consolidate their efforts for peace cutting across social, cultural and religious barriers.
ICITP-NEZ also announced that the 2nd phase of the Workshop -cum-Seminar on the same theme would be held in Imphal in the 2nd week of March 2009.
CONSENSUS STATEMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Time has come to declare our strong determination to make an effort for finding an amicable and lasting peace for the region and bring an end to the uncertainties that cause pain and sufferings to the people.
2. The stakeholders of ICITP are the soldiers of peace. They have to consolidate their efforts for peace cutting across social, cultural and religious barriers.
3. Violence is greatly avoidable. Gandhian non-violence, which has stood the test of time, could be a strong tool towards achieving peace in the region.
4. While public opinion should be generated in support of peace process, greater patronage should be extended to efforts of UN and other bodies engaged in the process.
5. NGOs have a role in accelerating the peace process.
6. Peace cannot be enforced by force. The political aspect of the movements should be taken in to consideration. Self-determination should be on the basis of people’s right to their own land, culture, tradition, language, freedom of speech and enjoying all other fundamental rights without obstruction from others.
7. Human society is conflict-prone and not conflict-free due to clash of interests. Hence, peace is a relative term. There is no doubt that peace is essential for every one to enjoy their life.
8. Violence could be open or in disguise. Tolerance is required to curb violence. It is a good sign that of late the civil society in the region is waking up to the issue. But words need to be translated into action.
9. Peace is one of our major concerns of the day. Communities must have power to negotiate peace through political, cultural and social discourses.
10. Peace making process also needs to address the long-standing issues of self-determination simmering in the region.
11. Good governance is imperative to peace. Rule of law, tolerance, and transparency of political process, fair judiciary, impartial police force, and vibrant civil society ensure good governance. This should be supplemented by an efficient administration and delivery system.
12. Let insurgency be treated separate from development in order to eliminate the nexus among politicians, bureaucrats and contractors and the resultant corruption. Criminals be kept away from the corridors of power.
13. Cease-fire with militant groups does not always guarantee peace. Even cease-fire is misused by vested interest groups. Civil society needs greater awareness and empowerment to tackle this problem.
14. Development process too should not be imposed. People must have an option to choose the development schemes beneficial for them.
15. The State is obsessed with ‘military security.’ It should, in stead, focus on ‘security of the people.’ In our efforts to achieve peace, the leaders of the civil society must educate the government, political leaders, after all development and peace to a great extent is in their hands.
16. People take to violence when they are harassed and exploited.
17. In many NE states, indigenous people have been reduced to marginalized groups. They have no alternative choice but to take to agitation.
18. State alone cannot bring peace. Real key lies with the people. The Church’s initiative in Mizoram and Nagaland are good examples of this.
19. While trying to define civil society, it was clarified that anything that is not related to the State may be called civil.
20. Government may sometime try to divide the groups in conflict but they should remain united in dialogue and convey their views in clear terms to the government without fighting over it. Mutual respect, trust and emotional integration must be created amongst various ethnic groups in the region to bring peace and tranquility among multi-ethnic society like that of ours in the region.
21. One view expressed by a participant was that peace and development come only after violence.
22. In Tripura, one of the NE states many development projects like dams, wild life sanctuaries are being set up by removing indigenous people from their own lands. Protecting the rights of indigenous people should be given priority.
23. Adivasis comprise of a large portion of Assam population. If they remain backward the State cannot progress.
24. Naming communities as “tea-tribes” etc. is not correct. Communities should be addressed by their ethnic identity and traditional names.
25. The Government at one time had even denied the existence of Indigenous Peoples in India. It is only when funds were coming from abroad, this existence was confirmed. Nevertheless, the funds got diverted for uses other than that for Indigenous Peoples. Government of India should ratify the ILO convention 169.
26. Middle class unemployment is another reason for conflict. This needs to be addressed appropriately.
27. Exchange of students, civil society organisation members for tours and study; welfare of orphans and underprivileged children, victims of conflicts to be encouraged.
28. Open dialogue should be organized in Assam between different demanding and opposing groups of Indigenous Peoples in the matter of scheduling of six different tribes in Assam.
29. The scheduling of the Indigenous and Tribal Peoples should be uniform throughout the nation and their benefit should be enjoyed uniformly all over the country.
30. Peace workers, peace practitioners and peace activists in the region should be recognized and their initiatives should be encouraged.
January 29, 2009 : ICITP-NEZ deputed few active members to Indian Institute of Entrepreneurs to participate in their meeting on Rural Business Hub (RBH).
February 4, 2009 : ICITP-NEZ participated in the Workshop on Interim Progress of Preparing North Eastern Integrated Flood and Riverbank Erosion Management Project ( Assam) held at Hotel Brahma Putra, Guwahati.
February 9, 2009 : Phungkha Mahilary, one of the noted Bodo artists completed his assignment for compiling, recording and producing a collection of Bodo Nationalist patriotic songs composed by veteran leaders of the Bodo community including Late Upendra Nath Brahma, Mr. Jebra Ram Muchahary, Mr. Hagrama Mahilary and Mr. Daorao Dekreb Narzary and dedicated to the Bodoland Territorial Council and its people during its foundation day today at Kokrajhar.
February 12, 2009 : Leaders of ICITP-NEZ headed by Mr. Jebra Ram Muchahary, the President of the organization participated in the public meeting of the Central Bishu Dima celebration of Dimasa Indigenous Peoples of Dhansiri, Karbianglong where more than 20 thousand local public gathered during the celebration. ICITP-NEZ disseminated the information of UNDRIP in the programme.
March 8, 2009 : Leaders of ICITP-NEZ participated in the public meeting of Sanzukta Janajati Aikya Manch-Assam at Balipara, Sonitpur to aware on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The following members from ICITP-NEZ actively participated in the public meeting:
- Mr. Jebra Ram Muchahary
- Mr. Umesh Brahma
- Mr. Bikas Muchahary
- Mr. Biju Narzary
- Mr. Ananda Basumatary
March16, 2009 : President of ICITP-NEZ visited Saraibil area in Gossaigaon for local people consultation and assessment about the human rights situation of the local people there.
March 20, 2009 : ICITP-NEZ felicitated Bodo Sahitya Sabha (BSS) for accreditation to UNPFII & UN DESA data system.
March 25-30, 2009 : Top leaders of ICITP-NEZ visited New Delhi to participate in the Joint Organizational Evaluation Camp of ICITP, AISWAC and EED.
