Consult people first : Tangkhul bodies
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 30 2016:
The Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (TNFO) and Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) have appealed to the State Government to seek wishes and opinions of people settled in different areas of Sadar Hills before it is declared as a full fledged district.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, TNWL president Akhui Zimik said that the State had witnessed countless protests and agitation in connection with the demand for re-organisation of districts in Manipur as well as series of agitations/economic blockades in protest against creation of Sadar Hills district.
ANSAM and the then Chief Minister came to an understanding on December 14, 1981 regarding re-organisation of districts.
Accordingly, a Cabinet sub-committee was constituted to look into population, ethnic affinities, compactness of the area along with other criteria before recommending re-adjustment and demarcation of boundaries of the proposed new districts, Akhui Zimik said.
On September 27, 1996, the Government of Manipur signed an MoU with UNC and ANSAM followed by another MoU on June 29, 1998 .
However, none of the assurances made by the Government through the MoU were ever translated into action.
A letter sent by the Government of India to UNC on November 24, 2011 assured that no decision would be taken on the report of the district reorganisation committee without consulting all sections of people and all stake holders.
Subsequently, the UNC called off the economic blockade it imposed on National Highways.
Saying that they have heard reports about the Government's intention to create Sadar Hills district, Akhui Zimik said that the Government should first seek opinions and wishes of all the people living within Sadar Hills area before it is formally declared as a new district.
All the Naga villages located within Sadar Hills area should be amalgamated to neighbouring 'Naga districts', Akhui Zimik demanded.
She added that they would submit a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur highlighting their demands and objections.