ADC blues and shutdown
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: August 26 2015 -

The delay in the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Tamenglong and Chandel Districts is likely to turn into another gigantic hitch for the Okram Ibobi led Congress Government in Manipur.

The ruling dispensation is already overburdened with a boiling load as the stir over the Inner Line Permit demand refuses to subside amidst uneasy calm.

Over the hills, the sign of discontent is writ large on the wall. All Government offices including national projects located in Tamenglong District have been totally shut since August 22.

This followed the protest call given by the Committee for Formation of ADC Tamengong (CFADC) against the delay in formation of the Autonomous District Council.

The Committee has made it very clear that it would launch a total blockade and resort to other forms of protests soon if the State Government fails to respond immediately.

Citing the Government’s failure, CFADC has also sought to know the reason why the formation of ADC has been delayed.

Even the Zeliangrong Students’ Union based in Tamenglong District has expressed dismay with the Government’s delaying tactics.

Meanwhile, the Committee on formation of ADC Chandel has also urged the authority to form the ADC at the earliest as the Democratic Alliance has already staked its claim.

The Committee has too warned of launching an agitation if the authority fails to initiate steps for formation of ADC.

The development in the two hill districts is soon likely to spread to other hill areas if one take serious note of ADC Ukhrul Chairman Dr Yaronsho Ngalung’s view.

He said the members of ADC Ukhrul are not happy with the delay in formation of Councils in Tamenglong and Chandel Districts even after two months of poll declaration.

While expressing solidarity, the Chairman has alleged that grass-roots democracy has been “severely scuttled due to non formation of councils.”

He pointed out the Government of Manipur is playing a ploy to smother the welfare of the tribal communities.

Expressing solidarity with the decision to launch agitation by ADC Tamenglong members, the ADC Ukhrul Chairman has sought the support of civil societies, organisations, intellectuals and individuals on the issue.

He has even warned that ADC Ukhrul may be compelled to join the stir if the two councils are not formed immediately.