All Tribal Chiefs Forum, Manipur (ATCFM) states clear stand to CM
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, November 05 2012:
All Tribal Chiefs Forum, Manipur (ATCFM) and Committee on Protection of Tribal Areas, Manipur (COPTAM) have submitted a lengthy memorandum to the Chief Minister objecting the ensuing village authority elections in the hill districts of Manipur.
T Kipgen, president of ATCFM and Thangkam Lupheng, general secretary in the memorandum detailed the proceedings and the resolutions of the October 30 tribal leaders' meeting on the matter.
According to the memorandum, the tribal leaders, intellectuals and village chiefs/headmen had come to the understanding that the existing Village Authority Act(s) is a tool for the abolition of 'traditional chieftainship' institution of the tribal people.
The October 30 meeting also held that the Village Authority Act undermines and diminishes the authority and power of the tribal village chiefs, who are the sole authority and owner of the land within their respective jurisdictions.
It also undermines the rich customs, cultural and traditional heritages of the tribal people, the meeting had underlined.
The Act(s) also manifests the village chiefs as totally 'autocratic' .
However, the Act(s) fails to acknowledge the "traditional democracy" prevalent in tribal villages under the chiefs.
There are certain sections which are obsolete and outdated.
"In view of the above stated facts, the meeting, therefore, unanimously resolved to demand that the ensuing village authority elections should not be held until and unless the existing Village Authority Act(s) is amended.
The amendments should be made in such a way that the customs, cultures, traditions and land rights of the Tribals are suitably protected.
The views and suggestions of tribal leaders and intellectuals are to be sought as and when the amendments are to be made.
Each village should conduct the election of Manipur," the ATCFM and COPTAM demanded in the memorandum.