Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite
Lamka, October 09 2009:
The State's repeated assurance and pronouncement of tentative dates for Autonomous District Council election so far is meekly a ploy to deceive the Centre, something which they say, helps in allaying unwanted queries, alleged Manipur Tribal Council today in a statement.
To substantiate their claim the MTC said though unimplemented the ADC Act of 1971 was apparently amended twice, with the intention of bolstering their secret act.
Now that the State Cabinet and the HAC have agreed and consented on holding the election and the State Election Commission was apparently busying for it, the same Government appears more dedicated to recruiting Primary teacher than the election, it added.
And as such it was a matter of serious concern for the tribals - the people who have waited so eagerly for the practical implementation of their only friendly institution the ADC, the statement said.
Besides the ADC election, the statement signed by MTC's president and secretary cites Article 46, 335, 338, 339 and 371 C of the Indian constitution as other major instances of the state government roping the tribals of their rights to safeguard and protection.
What good are these provisions if the tribals in outer Manipur, bordering various sister States of the Northeast fails to enjoy them, won't it not be better if they are allowed to cede with any State of their choice, it added.
Meanwhile, the Newly Appointed Teacher Association under ADC today said that they do not endorse the proposed bandh called by JAC of parents and guardians of 835 appointed primary teachers of 2006 which will come into effect from midnight today.