Imphal, April 27 2010: Unhappy over Manipur government's firm decision to go ahead with the Autonomous Disctrict Councils (ADCs) elections in Manipur hill districts, the Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) on Tuesday termed Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council (3rd Amendment) Act ,2008 as 'an anti tribal peoples' act'.

The ZYF opined that the move to hold the polls shows the failure on the part of the state government to protect the rights of the tribal community instead of resolving the issue.

The Zeliangrong youth body suggested that public consent should have been taken first before holding the 'controversial elections'.

"It is well known that the hill districts are far lagging behind in many respects while comparing with the valley districts, therefore it is the duty of the government to uplift the tribal people in all round development by giving their rights to govern themselves", ZYF argued.

The ZYF pointed out that the connotation of 'Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils' and 'Autonomous District Councils' are contradictory itself making confusion to the common people because the word "Autonomous" is not referred in the present Act.

Moreover, the legislative, judiciary and financial powers empowered to the district councils are also curtailed and limited, it said adding the demand of the tribal people of Manipur is a genuine rights.

While supporting the ongoing agitation imposed by various tribal organizations, the ZYF said that it will not remain a silent spectator but will fight for justice.

In the meantime, the ZYF disclosed that it has already deputed volunteers along the NH-53 route in Tamenglong district and appealed to the general public to co-operate in the interest of the tribal community of Manipur.