Kohima: The North East Indigenous Peoples Forum and the Nagaland Indigenous People’s Forum are hosting the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples on August 9. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the Dimapur Town Hall. Organizers expect 300 to 400 delegates from across the region.
This year’s theme highlights the work of traditional midwives. The program features cultural performances, a souvenir launch, and a formal Love Feast. Nagaland Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer will attend as the special guest.
Regional leaders are using the meeting to push the 2025 Jokai Declaration. This pact urges northeastern states to create specific Directorates of Indigenous Affairs. MLA Kuzholuzo Nienu previously introduced this proposal in the Nagaland Assembly. NEIPF Secretary General N. Ibungochoubi says regional states want Nagaland to lead the effort. Ibungochoubi noted, "All the states are looking forward to the Nagaland chapter in leading this very aspect of opening an indigenous people's department."
The groups see a dedicated department as a tool to fight illegal immigration. Forum leaders cite demographic shifts in Tripura, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Nagaland as major threats. NIPF President Dr. T. Lima Jamir also blamed local reliance on undocumented labor for economic instability. He urged residents to stop hiring cheap migrant workers to protect regional self-reliance.
The NIPF previously lobbied the government to tighten Inner Line Permit checks. Dr. Jamir claims these efforts already led to a slight reform of the permit system. Further discussions on control measures will occur in the next Assembly session. Organizers invited various CSOs, NGOs, and student bodies to participate in the August 8 conclave preceding the main event.
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