ATCF urges
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 09 2013:
In the light of the apprehension among the tribal that the proposed introduction of Urban Planning/Development in the Hill areas under Panchayat Systems could undermine the chieftainship institution/Tribal VC where in the chiefs/headmen are the custodians of the tribal custom, culture, tradition and their land use systems in the hills, the All Tribal Chiefs' Forum, Manipur has said that the Govt could enact laws and frame rules suitable for the development of the hill districts other than Urban Development under Panchayat Systems.
Making clear that the initiative of the Govt to streamline the development of the hill districts of the State by introducing Urban Planning is not misunderstood, a statement issued by the ATCF today posited that if the Govt is so determined to uplift the backwardness of the hill districts, it should enact suitable laws for the development of the hill areas.
The ATCF also pointed out that no positive response has been given to the proposal to the Govt to include leaders/scholars who are well versed in tribal customary laws, traditional and cultural practices, and land-holding system of the tribal in the Expert Committee recently set up by the State Government to monitor and examine the Manipur (VA) in Hill Areas Act, 1956 and the Manipur (Hill Areas) DC Act 1971 and ruled framed thereunder.
A consultative meeting of senior leaders/resource persons/NGOs was convened by ATCF on March 11 at Hotel Imphal.
Committees representing all the tribes of the State have been formed to examine and revise the same Acts based on the tribal customary laws within 30 days for recommendation of the findings to the Govt for reference, if need arises so, it added.