MPHRC hails withdrawal of IFA amendment

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Peoples’ Human Rights Council (MPHRC) has lauded the steps taken by the central government to withdraw the draft of the Indian Forest Act (IFA), 1927 amendment, which was initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
“We hail this decision and it’s a victory for the indigenous people’s movement in the country and for this victory, we will continue to keep up our collective strength, spirit and energy to ensure that the human rights of the indigenous peoples are respected,” said Dino DG Dympep, chairman, MPHRC.
It may be mentioned that the Inspector General of Forests (Forest Policy) Noyal Thomas had sent a letter to all states on March 7 this year, seeking their comments on the first draft of the comprehensive amendments to the IFA.
Each state had to conduct consultations with all its stakeholders, including non-profit and civil society organisations, and send the compiled feedback to MoEF&CC by June 7.
“While making our submission to the Union government on August 16, we clearly stated that the regressive draft amendment will not only create a catastrophe for the tribals and other traditional forest dwellers, but also for the development of the nation and will have adverse impact on climate for which the Meghalaya government should also raise its strong opposition,” the MPHRC said.
“The IFA draft amendments are like a whimsical ride of a colonial forester that sought to play down with many extremely repressive measures which is incongruous and if adopted, would result in further violation to the human rights of tribal communities and their future generations” the council said.