ZCA seeks public support on BADP issue
Source: The Sangai Express
Churachandpur, October 09 2018:
The Zomi Chiefs Association, General Headquarters has today sought the support of general public to help them invalidate the restrictions and conditions imposed by the State Government in implementing the Centre funded Border Area Development Program (BADP) .
Briefing media persons, the chiefs contended that the State Government have 'continually curtailed' their rights and privileges, first by putting undue ceiling on the cost of the schemes and then by requiring them to donate their land, which they say is unacceptable.
As such they have under the aegis of All Manipur Border Area Development Association (AMBADA) sought legal courses to address their grievances by serving legal notice to the concern Ministry, said the chiefs.
Accordingly, the Director, Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Border Management, Government of India has written to the Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur requesting the views/comments of the State Government on the matter but the letter is yet to be responded till date, added the chiefs.
AMBADA has then filed a writ petition against the Union of India and 9 others in the High Court of Manipur bearing writ Petition (C) No 237 of 2018 against the above mentioned orders of the Government of Manipur and Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur with reference to the implementation of BADP in Manipur.
Even as they await the outcome of the matter and despite the case still pending before the Court of law, the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur has on June 8, 2018, issued tender notice 1 & 2 (No DC(CCP)/BADP/TENDER/17-18) for implementation of BADP 2017-18.The matter was soon petitioned by the chiefs of BADP covered villages under Sangaikot, Singngat, Suangdoh, Mualnuam and Thanlon sub-divisions on June 18 with a request for cancellation or to put it on hold.
Despite it, the chiefs said, ignoring their plea, the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur has on September 22, 2018 issued another notice stating that "technical bids will be opened on September 25, 2018 (Tuesday) at 11 am in the office Chamber of Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur" .
That notice too which was petitioned by the Zomi Chiefs Association, Kuki Chiefs Association, Churachandpur for cancellation is still pending with the High Court of Manipur.
Saying that their petitions and pleas have been disregarded, the president of Zomi Chiefs Association General Headquarters, Pumzadou Thangsing has said, "If our intimation is stands ignored, the chiefs of Churachandpur will be constrained to take strong measures to protect and preserve our interests." He further stated that Village Authorities in Manipur are a legal entity constituted under the Manipur (Village Authorities In Hill Areas) Act, 1956, and that they have been the implementing agency of BADP as per the guideline issued by the Central Government and that the restrictions imposed by the State Government goes against the very fundamental idea of the programme.
The circular of the DC, Churachandpur to execute Gift deed is totally unnecessary as these developmental works are executed for the benefit of the general public and as such, land should be in the possession of the Village Authority, he said.
Stating that many youths and leaders have sacrificed their lives for the protection of tribal land, no land donation should be made to the Government.
If their call for restoration of order (No 4/BADP(Visit)/2009/Plg) of December 20, 2012 is not heeded, ZCA will take all necessary steps to protect the interest of the tribals and seek the cooperation of the general public on the matter, he added.
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