Sadar Hills chiefs ask govt to return files
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 26 2011:
The Sardar Hills Chiefs Association (SAHILCA), Manipur has alleged that the personal secretary to Manipur Chief Secretary in collaboration with unidentified armed persons broke open the rooms of Hill Department Secretariat on the night of June 23 and confiscated all the files relating to 96 villages which have been recognised by the state government.
The incident occured around 9:30 pm on Thursday, according to the Sadar Hills chief's body.
SAHILCA then said that following this incident, under secretary (DP) had issued suspension orders of the Commissioner (Hills) and the Under Secretary (Hills) on June 25.It alleged that the suspension orders were issued by the Under Secretary (DP) following pressure from the Chief Minister and the Tribal Development minister.
"These autocratic actions of the chief minister and the TD minister which were taken in a shameful act which was an insult to a democratic government," said the chiefs' association.
SAHILCA threatened to take up drastic action if the files are not returned to the Hill Department (Government of Manipur).
It also asked the state government to revoke the suspension orders of the Commissioner (Hills) and the Under Secretary (Hills) immediately.
If the demands are not fulfilled, the TD minister should be held responsible for any fallout.