SHDDC spells out stand against re-mapping Rests case on Constitution
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 12 2011: Objecting to formation of Committee on Re-organisation of Administrative and Police District Boundary, Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) has observed that the political interests espoused by the different groups in the State will erupt to an unhealthy political condition if the so called Committee on Re-organisation of Administrative and Police District Boundary and its report is to be implemented.

In a representation submitted to the Chief Minister, SHDDC asserted ''you are well aware of the Constitutional provision on which we base our demand for complete implementation of Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971(Parliament Act no.76 of 1971, 26 December, 1971) and subsequent constitution of six Autonomous District Councils in the hill areas of Manipur vide Government of Manipur's notification dated 14th February, 1971 by the then Governor of Manipur through Secretariat, Planning & Development Department" .

The representation said that it is under these provisions "we plead for justice to be done equally on the Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council too as it have been done to other hill districts.

Since those political decision and administrative and developmental rights have been unduly denied to us for such a long period of time, the people of Sadar hills have every right to unflinchingly ask in all forms, the Government to do the needful" .

A map showing Sadar Hills

The existence of political doldrums with the people of Sadar hills for the last 39 years in the hands of successive State Government of Manipur could not be now handled in the manner the present Government is trying to haphazardly adopt, the representation asserted.

Adding that what could have been easily resolved as a developmental matter has already been politicised, thereby paving way for unsolicited bargaining from all interested groups in the State.

To prolong such unreasonable situation will tantamount to chaotic political situation and disintegration of our unity, SHDDC warned, while observing 'it is strongly believed that unsatisfactory political situation, specially in the hill areas, that the State is besotted with could not be either put to rest or left in the hands of the present Government, should the Sadar hills be inaugurated as a full-fledged Autonomous district immediately' .

The political interests espoused by the different groups will erupt to an unhealthy political condition if the so called Committee on Re-organisation of Administrative and Police District Boundary and its report is to be implemented.

It may be an advantage to those who does not subscribe to districthood of Sadar hills but its ramification may rather be at the disadvantage of the larger interest of the State, the representation signed by SHDDC president Ngamkhohao Haokip observed.

It is not desirable to have it as a cementing force between ageold political competitors in the hill areas of the State.

There is no question of SHDDC or the people of Sadar hills accepting Re-organisation of Sadar hills boundaries under any circumstances but stand with the decision or adjustment or order already taken or issued by previous State Governments, and no further move to balkanise Sadar hills will be tolerated, the representative said, adding that if justice in respect of districthood of Sadar hills is not done within a month's time, then the people of Sadar hills will no room for tolerance any further.