HAC members lambast Govt for ignoring ADC Bill
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte

Churachandpur, October 18 2021: All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) on Monday organised a reception programme cum consultative meeting of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) members who went to Delhi and met Union ministers and the President of India over the HAC issue and the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 recommended by it at Young Pake Association (YPA) hall here.

The programme organised by the district based Joint Student Body under the aegis of ATSUM was attended by Churachandpur MLA V Hangkhanlian, Saikot MLA TN Haokip and Ukhrul MLA Alfred Arthur Kangngam as the president members.

Speaking at the event, MLA V Hangkhanlian criticised refusal of the chief minister for a proposed meeting with members of the HAC to discuss nomination of eight valley-based MLAs as members of the HAC.

He termed this move a blatant violation of the HAC regulation as HAC has been established under Article 371C.MLA TN Haokip highlighted how the state government played a deceptive role, so as to desist giving full power to the ADC institution in the hill areas and keep them at their mercy since the days when the Congress government led by O Ibobi was in power.

He also informed about the meetings with the central leaders and suggestions made in favour of the 6th Schedule and further pointed out that the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 is the best way to give opportunity to the tribals to live at par with others.

MLA Alfred Arthur talked about the inequality with respect granting funds to tribal lands drawing a comparison of the fund flows and how their areas have been exploited even in this respect.

He further stressed on the need to stand together, so that the ADC Bill 2021 is enacted.

ANSAM general secretary extended full support to the HAC's initiative and every move they make to hasten the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 to become an Act.

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