In commemoration of World Indigenous Day on Wednesday, GMP, along with the Tribal Youth Federation (TYF) and Tribal United Communist Party (TUKC), and other wings of CPIM, convened a discussion program in Agartala.
The indigenous wing of the opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPIM) in Tripura, Ganamukti Parishad (GMP), vehemently criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre for passing the Forest Conservation Bill 2023.
The bill, approved by the Lok Sabha on July 26, 2023, has been labeled as the “Forest Destruction Act” by the GMP leaders. The party alleges that the legislation primarily favors corporate interests.
In commemoration of World Indigenous Day on Wednesday, GMP, along with the Tribal Youth Federation (TYF) and Tribal United Communist Party (TUKC), and other wings of CPIM, convened a discussion program in Agartala.
The event echoed the slogan, “Zameen Hamari, Jungle Hamare, Hamare Sampad Hi Hamare Adhikar” (Our Land, Our Forest, Our Resources, Our Rights).
Jitendra Choudhury, leader of GMP and CPIM state secretary, addressed a gathering of the GMP and other indigenous supporters. Choudhury criticized the Forest Conservation Amendment Bill 2023 for its passage in Parliament without thorough deliberation, alleging that it aims to grant special privileges and advantages to corporations. He asserted that this bill could deprive the tribal and other forest dwellers across the nation of their rights.
Drawing attention to the clauses within the bill, Choudhury underscored its potential to jeopardize the longstanding existence of tribal communities living in the forests. The bill, in its attempt to dilute the provisions of the Forest Rights Act, 2006, is perceived as a direct threat to the livelihoods of indigenous people.
Choudhury emphasized that GMP and allied left-wings in various parts of the country had consistently opposed the bill, citing their commitment to safeguarding the welfare and land rights of tribal populations.
Prominent figures such as Radhacharan Debbarma, former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), Naresh Chandra Jamatia, former minister of the previous Left Front government, as well as leaders from GMP and TYF, participated in the event.