Ethnic groups must be empowered

Indigenous cultures certainly enrich us in various ways. And they have great potentials to contribute to the national development process through their proven virtuosity in different crafts. But they have been complaining of certain infringements on their lives which cannot be trifled with. Land grabbing and impingement on their habitats are two of their major concerns. The decision to turn a big area in Modhupur, inhabited by the Garos, into an eco-park has had an adverse effect on their lives. They feel intimidated and threatened. They are being pushed to the sidelines as the encroachment on their lives is getting more and more unmanageable. If we sincerely want them to be mainstreamed, then this is not the way to go.

Only a positive attitude, however, will not help matters improve significantly. Actions are needed. The fears of losing their distinctive identity and way of life will have to be allayed by actually resolving some of their problems. For example, land grabbing has to be stopped forthwith not only to safeguard their rights but also to make them realise that there will be no discrimination against any group of citizens in this country.

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Then comes the issue of implementing the CHT accord which will greatly assuage the grumbling that they have about the way they have been treated so far. Already, valuable time has been lost and, let's lose no more. They must feel secure against all forms of alienation and discrimination.