KIM urges CM to junk HAC expansion order
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, September 04 2021:
The Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) has on Saturday urged chief minister N Biren to nullify the order issued by Manipur Legislative Assembly secretariat on September 1 regarding induction of MLAs, including from the now-vacant Lamlai AC, of the valley districts as members of Hill Areas Committee, Manipur.
In its representation submitted to the chief minister signed by president Khaimang Chongloi and general secretary Shokholun Mate, KIM said the order vide order (5/11(2) 2021-LA(Secy)) is undemocratic and will not stand the test of constitutionality under Article 371C of the Constitution if the state government fails to consult with the people living in the hills.
"The inclusion of nine assembly constituencies in the HAC is nothing but an attempt to interfere with and encroach into the functioning of the Hill Areas Committee, charged the KIM presentation while adding that such an ill-thought and misleading order issued by the Assembly's secretary is an affront to people living in the hill areas and smacks of ill motivation to continue and perpetuate the exploitation of the hill people and undermine the constitutional protections and safeguards given to the hill tribes under Article 371 (C) of the Indian, Constitution, with their land ownership systems and their culture.
KIM further stated that any conversion of land-use, particularly of tribal lands require strict observance of procedures, particularly the clearance of the relevant district council.
It also contended that the recent rush of conversion and proposal of land-use during the absence of ADCs is apparent that the whole strategy of the government is to circumvent this technical necessity by keeping the ADC under dissolution.