Imphal, March 05: King of Tripura, Maharaj Pradyot Kishore Manikya Deb Burman, emphasized on the rights of the indigenous people of the Northeast India and stated, "We are not the tribals but indigenous people." He said this during his visit to Imphal today. Maharaj Pradyot Kishore Manikya Deb Burman is in a visit to Imphal to attend the 17th general assembly of Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) held Friday at Kuki Inn, Imphal.

Upholding the rights of the indigenous people of the Northeast region, he maintained that the protection of rights of the indigenous people is clearly mentioned in the sixth schedule of the Indian constitution, and therefore, it should be well understood by the people. Asserting the significance of the history of the indigenous people, Maharaj Pradyot Kishore Manikya Deb Burman stated that the political parties change after every five years, however "our history remains constant."

'We would be respectful and dignified only when we know the history of our forefathers," added Maharaj Pradyot Kishore Manikya Deb Burman. He also advocated that nothing would be achieved by the infighting among the groups of indigenous people but it only gives way to the third forces. It is therefore very important for the indigenous people of the region to be far-sighted and logical.

Recounting the communal clash that took place in the year 1993 in Manipur, he asserted that the two different fighting groups had gained nothing from the communal clashes. In fact, the third forces gained from the communal clashes, pointed out Maharaj Pradyot Kishore Manikya Deb Burman. He stated that it is the right time for the indigenous people to be action-oriented rather than being verbal.

"We should try to generate our own income following the footsteps of our forefathers and create our own history so that no one undermines the capability of the Kuki people," stated the Tripura king. Expressing his desires to visit the state regularly, Maharaj Pradyot Kishore Manikya Deb Burman appreciated the hospitality of the Kuki people.

Action plan for the House and budget for 2010-2011 were approved during the assembly. It was also informed during the assembly that a National Consultative Convention will be convened at Classic Hotel, Imphal shortly by Kuki Inpi with a view to bring all the tribes under one fold to assert claim as one big nation.

Other dignitaries who graced the assembly included Athong Lenthang (kumnpipa-father of the year for Kuki Inpi), Chawngthahlei, speaker of the 17th general assembly, Kuki Inpi, and Thangkhosei Haokip, president of KIM as chief guest, and functional president respectively.

Source: Hueiyen Lanpao