ATSUM expresses concern over political stalemate
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 23 2020:
The All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has expressed serious concern over the political stalemate in the Autonomous District Council, Churachandpur and Autonomous District Council, Senapati.
The ADCs are the sole local self-government entities in the hill areas of Manipur and proper functioning of the Councils are of utmost importance for both political and economic development of the hill areas, said a statement issued by ATSUM, Khaiminlen Doungel, information & publicity secretary.
It is very unfortunate that the grass-root local self-government that has to play a pivotal role especially during this time of COVID-19 pandemic in containing the pandemic is in a tussle for power and posts and made people suffer more miserably amidst COVID-19 pandemic, ATSUM added.
On 30th May 2020, it is learned that a motion to move a no-confidence motion for removal of the incumbent Chairman, ADC Churachandpur was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur as per provision of the District Council Act, 1971 and subsequently the Deputy Commissioner had issued a notification for consideration of no-confidence motion in respect of ADC Churachandpur on August 17, 2020 and thus the meeting was conducted democratically on August 18 at Council Hall, Churachandpur where ADC members participated and voted.
However, as one of the ADC members filed a writ petition case in the High Court of Manipur challenging the legality of the meeting, the High Court issued an order on September 18 to not proceed any further action about the meeting proceedings, ATSUM claimed.
ATSUM lamented that the final hearing was made on September 7, 2020 and is kept reserved for judgment, however, 15 days have passed and so far no judgement is being pronounced till date.
The student's union then urged the High Court to expedite disposal of the case reserved for judgement in respect of the ADC Churachandpur and immediate fast track hearing and judgement in case of ADC Senapati with a similar issue.
The apex tribal student body also urged the Government and the Judiciary body to institute a fast track court or system to handle such sensitive political issues in future.