IPSA cautions Govt on ADC Bill
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 21 2021: The International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) has appealed to the State Government to discuss the content of the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 with the stakeholders concerned before tabling it at the ongoing session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The Bill adopted by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) had been moved to the State Government for discussion at the Assembly session.

Speaking to media persons at Keishampat, IPSA vice president Khuraijam Athouba said that the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 is a very sensitive Bill that may pose threat to the unity of Manipur.

Claiming that the content of the Bill is akin to demand for a separate Autonomous Territorial Council for Nagas and Kukis by the NSCN (IM) and Kuki armed outfits under Suspension of Operation respectively, he added that the first point of the Bill contain matters of 6th Schedule which has been opposed by the people.

He further claimed that the content of the Bills is etho-centric.

"It is disappointing that the elected leaders from the hill districts are adopting such a Bill that has the potential to create division among the people," Athouba said and asked why the Bill was adopted discreetly if its intention is development.

Athouba, on the other hand, clarified that the IPSA doesn't have any ill feeling against the people of hill districts.

"Instead of discussing this Bill, members of the House should work to unite the people of Manipur," he added.

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