Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, July 07 2009:
Spearheading the demand for decentralization of power to the hill districts of Manipur and for holding of early elections regarding the autonomous district councils to enhance grass root democracy in the state, the Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) has warned the State Government that the organization will start mass-based agitation throughout Manipur from July 10 to put pressure on the Government for speedy response.
IDF spokesperson, H Mangjinkhup informed Newmai News Network (NNN) today that representatives of IDF of all the hill districts in Manipur met today at Chingmeirong district council hall, Imphal West, to discuss the line of agitation to be taken up to press the State Government for holding early elections of the district councils, which has not been held for the last 20 years or so.
The IDF said that its move is purely to evolve a democratic system of self governance based on indigenous democracy which best benefits the indigenous people of Manipur.
According to the resolutions taken at the meeting today, the agitation will be launched from July 10 in the form of wearing black badges and putting up black flags and banners by members and supporters of IDF all over Manipur, stated the IDF spokesperson.
If the State Government fails to respond appropriately, stronger form of agitation, the nature of which the spokesperson did not want to disclose at the moment, would follow, the spokesperson warned.
It is pertinent to note that few days ago, after having had a hectic and extensive campaign in the five hill districts of Manipur to have a grass root level democracy and for evolving a system of self-governance purely based on tribal indigenous form of democracy, the Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) apprised chief Minister O Ibobi to hold elections to the Autonomous District Council (ADC) in the Manipur hills.
The districts of Churachandpur, Chandel, Ukhrul, Senapati and Tamenglong comprised of the hill districts of Manipur.
The IDF was founded sometime back by prominent social workers and former tribal students leaders of Manipur.
Ex-vice president of ANSAM Ngachonmi Chamroy is its president.