Constitutional breakdown: ATRPFM
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, November 11 2018:
The All Tribal Rights Protection Forum, Manipur (ATRPFM) has said that "there is already a Constitutional breakdown in local governance".
This statement of the ATRPFM has come in the face of the fact that no election for the Chairman of Autonomous District Council (ADC), Churachandpur has been conducted till date.
The ATRPFM questioned the State Government as to why it is yet to conduct the election.
"We strongly urge the State Government to conduct election of ADC Chairman, Churachandpur at the earliest and we also demand that pension scheme for employees of ADCs shall be implemented as mandated under relevant rules framed by the State Government which are clearly reflected in the State Budget from 2017-18 to 2018-19," the ATRPFM demanded, adding, "We request the Government not to invite agitations".
It added that it appreciates the Government for its "peaceful co-existence talk between the peoples of the hills and the valley, integrity, go to village, hill people's day, communal harmony and equal developmental.
However, the Government has acted contrary to all its slogans", the ATRPFM alleged.
"Peace cannot be force-fed.
It can only happen when the Constitutional rights of the minorities and weaker sections of the society are protected and respected," the ATRPFM reasoned.
"If the State Government fails to fulfil our demands and act in accordance with law and practice, we will submit all the negatives sides of the State Government against the tribal people in the upcoming International Samvaad-Tribal Conclave to be held from November 15 to 19 at Jamshedpur, Jharkhand where 10 countries are participating", the ATRPFM said.