'Form commission to protect indigenous people's lands'
World Indigenous Peoples Day observed in Rajshahi
Indigenous people at day-long programmes marking World Indigenous Peoples Day here yesterday called upon the government tom take steps to ensure their social and constitutional rights.
The programmes included discussions meetings, a rally and a procession, organised by indigenous people's organizations, NGOs and government.
At the meeting held at Rajshahi Chamber and Commerce and Industry (RCCI) auditorium, speakers said indigenous people are losing lands to encroachers and are also being deprived of social rights.
The discussion meeting jointly organised by Adivashi Bikas Kendro and Adivashi Sangskritik Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS).
Rajsahahi Additional Deputy Commissioner Satrandra Kumar Sarker was the chief at the meeting held with Adivashi Samaj Unnayan Sangtha executive director Gones Mazi in the chair.
Mozmmel Haque, former Rajshahi social welfare director, Jatiya Adivashi Parishad president Anil Marandi, Indigenous leaders Everest Hemron, Jogendra Nath Saran, Benjamin Tudu, Rabindranath Hemron, Chitrangan Sarder, Moti Kiron Bala, Andreash Hasda and Oxfarm representative Alax Chisam were present.
They demanded formation of a separate land commission for indigenous people and introduction of primary education in their mother tongue.
They also urged the local administration to take steps to protect social and land rights of indigenous people.
The ADC in his speech said indigenous people's social rights can not be ensured without creating awareness.
He urged indigenous peoples' organizations and NGOs to take package programmes for their development.
Earlier, several hundred indigenous peoples including women from different areas of the regionbrought out a colourful rally in Rajshahi city.
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