Consult stakeholders: ATSUM to HAC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 09 2018: ATSUM has urged the Hill Areas Committee, Manipur, to take the views and opinions of all stakeholders and CSOs into consideration regarding amendment of any Act which might affect the interest of the people inhabiting the hill areas of the State.

A press communique issued by the information and publicity secretary of ATSUM today, stated that it has also submitted a memo to the Governor, Chief Minister, Chairmam of the Hill Areas Committee as well in this regard.

It stated that ATSUM fails to understand the urgency with which Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Fourth Amendment) Bill 2017, was passed by the Cabinet, Assembly and the Hill Areas Committee.

It stated that the Bill undermines the democratic principle and thrive to promote individual interest and as such the Bill needs a revision and further deliberation among various stakeholders.

It expressed that giving voting rights to a nominated member is unconstitutional.

ATSUM alleged that as per the amendment, the nominated members are appointed without any specific criteria and they neither represent any marginalised/ minority community.

As such ATSUM finds the amendment inadequate and conditions should be made to appoint appointment nominated members and the right to vote needs further deliberation.

It further mentioned that ATSUM regards devolution of power by laying down the corresponding rules for the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (3rd Amendment) Bill 2008, as more important and urgent.

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