UCM says no to 'divisive politics'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 21 2021:
The United Committee Manipur (UCM) has categorically stated that they are ready to fight any demand or agitation that may disrupt the integrity of Manipur.
A press release issued by UCM stated that the six Autonomous District Councils were constituted on February 14, 1972 after the Government of India passed "The Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act 1971 to empower local self governance.
Stating that the ADCs have been managing the properties (movable and immovable), agriculture, tribal development, animal husbandry, village planning, forest (except reserve forest) etc since then under local self-governance model, the UCM maintained that the State Government also established the Hill Areas Committee under the Manipur Legislative Assembly to monitor administration of hill areas in 1972 .
Continuing that certain individuals, however, are indulging in divisive politics by making demands that may create animosity among the communities, the UCM asked if the people will continue to trust the State Government if the State is seemingly run by two parallel Governments.
At a time when the HAC is pressing to pass a new Bill they recommend purportedly for better adminis- tration of hill areas, another committee established by the State on August 25, 2021 had furnished a white paper that compared the development funds spent in hill districts and the actual expenditure of the State as a whole for the last ten years recently, the UCM said.
Maintaining that none of the HAC Members have not given any opinion regarding the white paper nor proposed discussion on the same, the statement added that none of the Manipuris would object to any recommendation that will uplift the State as a whole .
The UCM also said that they are closely monitoring the divisive politics being played by certain elected members.
The statement also said that the UCM and its units will support any movement or proposal that will strengthen the unity of the State but stand firmly against any agitation or demand which challenges the integrity of the State.
The UCM further decried the way some politicians have been using the people as a tool for their vested interests.