NPF reiterates stand against three Bills, Aug 3 resolution
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 02 2016:
The Naga Peoples' Front (NPF), Manipur has reaffirmed its position on the three 'anti-tribal Bills' namely, PMP 2015, MLR&LR (7th Amendment), Bill 2015 and Manipur Shops and Establishments (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2015 and the resolution on 'peace accord of Aug 3, 2015 signed between GoI and NSCN-IM.
In a statement, Awangbow Newmai, president NPF, Manipur State unit said that the Bills and the resolution were passed in the Manipur Legislative Assembly on Aug 31, 2015 in violation of the Indian Constitution's Article 371 C and Rule of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
The rule says that any Bill concerning the hill areas wholly or partly should be referred to the HAC before it is placed in the Assembly for discussion.
However, the three Bills were not referred to the HAC even though they affect the hill areas, it said.
Strong protest erupted in the hills with Churachandpur witnessing the strongest protest which led to the death of nine protesters in the hands of State security forces, it said.
The State unit of the NPF strongly opposes any Bill or attempt made by the Govt which affects the rights and lives of the hill people, it added.
The supreme sacrifice of the NPF MLAs who tendered their resignation to the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly as per Rules on Sept 4, 2015 in defence of the tribal rights should not be misinterpreted, rather, the act should be appreciated, it said.
The NPF once again appealed to all MLAs irrespective of community and party affiliation to respect the rights and sentiments of every community living in the State.