NEIPF's Executive Meeting in Guwahati resolved to promote peace in Manipur, strengthen indigenous unity, host Indigenous Peoples' Day in Nagaland and raise demographic concerns.
Guwahati, July 10: The North East Indigenous People's Forum (NEIPF) on Friday resolved to intensify efforts to promote peace, strengthen indigenous unity and safeguard the cultural and demographic interests of the Northeast during its Executive Meeting held in Guwahati.
The meeting, chaired by NEIPF Chairman Anup Chetia, brought together members of the Forum's executive committee to deliberate on organisational activities and discuss key issues affecting indigenous communities across the region. The resolutions adopted during the meeting were announced in a press release issued by NEIPF Secretary General N. Ibungochoubi.
A major focus of the meeting was the observance of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, which will be celebrated on August 9, 2026. This year's programme will be hosted by the Nagaland Chapter of the Forum. Members reviewed the preparations for the event and resolved to make it a meaningful platform to celebrate the rich cultural heritage, identity and aspirations of the indigenous peoples of the Northeast.
According to the Forum, the annual observance will also serve as an opportunity to highlight the diversity of indigenous traditions while encouraging greater solidarity among communities across the region.
The Executive Meeting also discussed the prevailing situation in different parts of the Northeast, particularly the continuing turmoil in Manipur. Members expressed concern over the situation and stressed the need for sustained efforts to restore peace, rebuild mutual trust and foster harmony among all communities.
The Forum said lasting peace could be achieved only through dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation among the people of the region, and resolved to continue reaching out to different communities with the objective of promoting peaceful and harmonious coexistence.
The meeting further deliberated on the issue of inter-state boundary disputes among Northeastern states. While acknowledging that such disputes continue to exist, the Forum resolved to encourage greater people-to-people interaction as a way to minimise hardships faced by residents living along border areas.
As part of this initiative, the NEIPF announced plans to organise a series of programmes, including Foothill Dreams Festivals, at regular intervals. The Forum said the festivals would be aimed at strengthening friendship, promoting cultural understanding and creating platforms for dialogue among communities residing in border regions.
Following detailed discussions, the Executive Meeting unanimously resolved to continue expanding its outreach efforts across the Northeast to strengthen unity among indigenous peoples while promoting mutual respect and lasting harmony.
The Forum also expressed concern over what it described as changing demographic patterns in the region resulting from the continued illegal influx of people from neighbouring countries. It resolved to formally communicate its concerns to the governments of the Northeastern states as well as the Union Government, urging them to take timely and effective measures to address the issue and safeguard the demographic, cultural and indigenous interests of the Northeast.
According to the NEIPF, protecting the identity and interests of indigenous communities while promoting peaceful coexistence among all sections of society will remain one of its key priorities in the region.
