Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 09 2010:
After the conduct of the two-phased elections to the Autonomous District Councils in the hill districts, amidst the boycott call followed by strong protests and even threats and intimidations and attack on the residences of the candidates, the District Councils of Senapati, Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts have been set up today with their respective chairmen being elected.
The District Councils of Ukhrul, Chandel and Sadar Hills may follow suit soon.
On the other hand, although reinstatement of District Councils have taken place after more than 20 years, with exception to Churachandpur and Sadar Hills, the rest of the District Councils would be temporarily functioning from Imphal on account of the threat perceptions faced by the candidates and elected members.
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For setting up the District Councils of Tamenglong and Senapati, the election of the respective chairmen was held under the aegis of the respective district administration at Khuman Lampak Sports complex today while the election of the chairman of Churachandpur District Council was held there.
The elected chairmen of these three District Councils have also been administered oath of secrecy to their offices today itself.
In the election of the District Council chairmen, MPCC president Gaikhangam, vice chairman of Hill Areas Committee Khangthuanang Panmei, MLA Wungnaoshang Keishing, Ex-MLA Z Mangaibou, Principal Secretary Hills LP Golmei and other officials were present.
Gonmei Soihiam Haomei and RS Henary Hiilii have been respectively elected uncontested as the chairman of Tamenglong Autonomous District Council and Senapati Autonomous District Council.
Z Sabitri and Aller Thoikei have also been nominated by the Government as the councillors of ADC Tamenglong while Kh Sapuni and N Lohou for ADC Senapati.
Speaking at the oath taking ceremony, newly elected chairman of ADC Tamenglong Gonmei Soihiam Haomei observed that God himself would have been happy to see reinstatement of District Councils after remaining defunct for more than 20 years.
He said that District Councils have to be set up and made functional for the development of hill districts in Manipur.
Talking to The Sangai Express on the sideline of the function, MPCC president Gaikhangam said that reinstatement of District Councils after more than 20 years has been possible because of the commitment of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, SPF Government and the blessing of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
It the triumph of democracy that District Councils have been reinstated despite threats and intimidation on the candidates, Gaikhangam said, adding that it is also a historic event.
Further, he disclosed that election of leaders and deputy leaders from among the elected members for formation of District Councils of Ukhrul, Chandel and Sadar Hills would also be completed today.
According to a top official of the Hills Department, with exception to Churachandpur and Sadar Hills, the rest of the District Councils would be functioning from temporary offices at Imphal.