Autonomous District Council (ADC) Tamenglong
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 26 2012:
The Autonomous District Council (ADC) Tamenglong celebrated completion of two years in office at Hotel Imphal here today.
The main attraction of the programme was traditional dance and music programmes presented by different tribes settled in Tamenglong district.
Addressing the function as chief guest, Home Minister Gaikhangam recalled that ADCs were set up through adult franchise in all the hill districts in 1972-73 .
The ADCs functioned for about 15 years until the demand for implementation of 6th Schedule was put up.
Soon the champions of 6th Schedule banned ADC elections on account of which ADCs were put to slumber for more than 20 long years.
After the ADCs were put in a state of dormancy for many long years, many people and public leaders started exerting pressure on the Government to revive the ADCs.
In the meantime, Centre issued a stern warning to the State Government stating that it hold back all kinds of development funds if there were no elected bodies in the hill districts to implement development programmes and welfare schemes at the grassroots level.
With the State Govt convinced that democracy remained incomplete without reviving the ADCs, the SPF Govt, during its second innings, conducted elections to the ADCs amidst all kinds of subversive activities and obstacles.
Given the difficulties faced by the Government in conducting the ADC elections, completion of two years in office by Tamenglong ADC merits such celebration, Gaikhangam stated.
He also appealed to the ADCs to exercise the powers bestowed upon sincerely in the interest of the public.
The celebration was also participated by Tamei AC MLA Z Kikhonbou, Tamenglong AC MLA Janghenlung Panmei and ex-MLA Khangthuanang Panmei.