SHDDC posers on district demand delay
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13 2011:
Making its stand clear to the people of Manipur, Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) pointed out that Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971; Parliament Act no.76 of 1971 (26 December 1971) has clearly spelled out creation of not less than six autonomous districts for hill areas of Manipur.
In a statement, SHDDC further pointed out that subsequently, the Governor of Manipur, through Secretariat, Planning & Development Department vide its notification dated 14th February, 1972 constituted six Autonomous Districts namely Manipur North Autonomous District (Senapati), Sadar Hills Autonomous district, Manipur East Autonomous District (Ukhrul), Tengnoupal Autonomous District (Chandel), Manipur South Autonomous District (Churachandpur) and Manipur West Autonomous District (Tamenglong) .
Out of these, it is clearly seen and known that Sadar Hills Autonomous District is left out without implementing all paraphernalia as provided in the said Act.
So, the question is Is Sadar hills an issue of a new creation to be delayed ? Does the Act states anything related to communalisation of the district ? Were the opinions of all sections of Manipuri society sought or taken into account while implementing the said Act of Parliament ?, the SHDDC questioned.
It asserted that the Manipur Government has been blaming one section of Manipuris who took unjust stand and policy against the interest of people living in Sadar hills for the last 39 years.
At the same time, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has categorically stated that 80 percent of Manipuri society supported districthood of Sadar hills.
However, it is surprising as to whose decision is to be final in running the Government of Manipur.
"We want to know if there is any authority empowered to over rule the decision of the State's Council of Ministers (Cabinet).
If the State Cabinet is not the highest decision making body of the State Government, it will be a surprising to know that it is party/parties other than the State Government itself ?", SHDDC further questioned.
The SHDDC observed that the 40-year running demand has naturally incited the people to come out openly and volunteer themselves in support of 'our rightful demand' .
The Government of Manipur should not continue to find excuses by merely blaming UG groups, Nagas or Kukis.
No underground organisation is supporting the present mass movement nor taking part in it.
It is the people in the district taking part in the movement.
If these are seriously accounted for districthood of Sadar hills by the Government, it has no right to be in power and administer the state.
It will be a serious political blunder if a long-pending rightful demand is not met in time.
The more it is delayed, the more problematic it will be.
The State Government should shoulder all responsibilities for any eventuality over the failure of granting districthood to Sadar hills immediately, SHDDC warned.
It has also expressed regret to the people of Manipur over the problems caused due to the ongoing general strike and economic blockade imposed along the National Highways.