IMPHAL, June 4: The All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen’s Union has asserted that the indigenous fishermen community of the Loktak area is responsible custodians of the Loktak Lake.
A press statement of the union has further condemned any initiative which excludes them in the development of a “green economy” in Manipur, and blocking and barraging of tributaries, destroying homes along with the indigenous flora they are built on.
It has said that on the occasion of the World Environment Day, the All Loktak Lake Area Fishermen`s Union Manipur pledges to work together with all the people of Manipur for improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.
On this occasion, we launch our campaign “Occupy Loktak” by coming out in mass as a community to reassert our rights as indigenous peoples to be fully included in the future of Loktak Lake and the surrounding wetlands and in the future of Manipur, it said.
It has further reiterated that their free, prior and informed consent must be taken before any initiative for the development of the Loktak Lake area is finalised and initiated as a designated Ramsar site.
It has also reminded the government of Manipur and the government of India that India is a signatory of the UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which sets the minimum standards for the protection and promotion of indigenous peoples` rights internationally.
“Our traditional wisdom and knowledge have been ignored in the strategic planning and development programmes taken up by the Loktak Development Authority (LOA), thereby risking sustainability and conservation”.