Plan to upgrade Jiri to full dist Show clear boundary : TRDC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 07 2015: The Tribal Rights Demand Committee (TRDC), Jiribam has today asserted that though the tribal people of Jiribam do not oppose the demand for the upgradation of Jiribam sub-division to a full fledged district they are apprehensive of the lack of transparency with regard to the boundary of the proposed district.

A statement issued by TRDC, Jiribam in concert with Zeliangrong Students Union, Jiribam, Kuki Students' Organisation, Jiri-Tamenglong region, Hmar Students' Association, Jiri-Vangai joint headquarters, United Chief Committee, Jiribam and the tribal apex bodies Hmar Inpui, Kuki Inpi, Jiribam and Zeliangrong Baudi, Jiribam said the contention is in regard to the fact that Jiribam had always been regarded as a hill area wherein Government employees in Jiribam, till 1960s, enjoyed Hill Area Allowance.

The discontinuation of the allowance, it added, showed a questionable design by the State Government towards the tribal populace.

TRDC, in the statement, has also appealed to the State Government to furnish details of the area to be covered by the proposed district adding that any lack of transparency may lead to unnecessary upheaval amongst the tribal populace.

Expressing disappointment over the fact that no tribal organisations have been invited to discuss the matter of upgradation, TRDC, in the joint statement, appealed the State Government to take into account the opinions and consent of the tribal populace.

TRDC further appealed to the State Government to release the 11 points MoU to the public and also to halt further decision on the upgradation of the sub-division until the consent of the tribals of Jiribam is taken.

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