Press Release
16th November 2019
16th November 2019
Zo Indigenous Forum (ZIF) an indigenous peoples’ organisation in Mizoram extends its heartfelt appreciation to the government of India for withdrawing the India Forest Act 1927 draft which is anti-Tribals and anti-indigenous in spirit and contents, and which is also against the fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
We also extends our highest gratitude to the Government of Mizoram and Shri. TJ Lalnuntluanga, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for taking a bold step and a strong position on the draft act which challenged the very principles of Article 371 (G) that gives special status to Mizo customary laws and practices, ownership and transfer of land as well as the powers conferred upon the autonomous district councils.
We also extend our gratitude to the tireless and valuable support garnered by our fellow Non - Governmental Organisations, Political parties and UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples and UN agencies and country office.
We would like to reiterate and reaffirm that the Zo Indigenous Forum is an indigenous peoples' organisation by and for the Indigenous peoples, which will stand to promote and protect the rights of Zo Indigenous Peoples across the world.