‘Rights violations in NE a cause for concern’

SHILLONG: Several human rights associations from the North East came together on the occasion of the 70th International Human Rights Day for a consultative meeting in Guwahati on Monday.
The Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact, Borok Peoples Human Rights Organisation, Indigenous Women’s Forum of Northeast India, Karbi Human Rights Watch, Meghalaya Peoples Human Rights Council, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights, Zomi Human Rights Foundation and the Zo Indigenous Forum met from December 1 to 10 for a consultative meeting on ‘Experiences of Autonomy in North-East India’ and ‘A Critical Reflection and Dialogue on IP Struggles and Movements in NE India’ has strongly reaffirmed their commitment to the values and principles of human rights. The consultation called for critical change in the institutional designs for self-government of indigenous communities where they themselves identify the needs and determine the structure of governance.
The groups said they were deeply concerned about the deteriorating human rights situations in the region. Increased militarisation related to development aggression has resulted in further exclusion and marginalisation of indigenous communities.
Economic agendas like tourism projects, extractive industries and their concomitant challenges has also given rise to new forms of conflict around resources and an alarming increase in violence within and between communities.
The consultation also expressed their concern against the decreasing democratic spaces and the increasing violence directed against human rights defenders by state and non-state agencies such as the recent attack against activist Agnes Kharsing and her colleague Amita Sangma in Meghalaya.
Recognition of Rural Women Workers
As apart of strengthening women groups in East Khasi Hills, North East Network (NEN) organised a programme on recognition of Rural Women Workers’ Contribution to the unorganised sector in Observance of International Human Rights Day.
The programme was held at Mawryngkneng on Monday and approximately 60 women labourers and 4 Rangbah Shnong of the area attended the programme.