Tribal leaders to oppose VA polls
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, October 30 2012: A crucial meeting of the tribal chiefs and leaders of tribal organisations has decided on Tuesday to oppose the upcoming Village Authority Elections 2012 seeking amendments to the Manipur Hill Village Authority Act, 1956 before the elections are conducted.

An emergency meeting initiated by All Tribal Chiefs Forum, Manipur (ATCF) and Committee on Protection of Tribal Areas, Manipur (COPTAM) was convened at Kuki-Inn, Imphal with the main agenda being the ensuing Village Authority Elections.

Representatives of different tribal village chief organizations including 150 village chiefs were also present at the marathon meeting.

The meeting that continued for about four hours condemned the Government order for Village Authority elections 2012 issued on October 1 .

The leaders of village chief organizations and village chiefs said holding of village Authority elections without making amendments to the Manipur Hill Village Authority Act, 1956 will endanger the tribal customary and traditional rights.

They said the existing Act is completely outdated and hence it requires amendment raising stiff opposition against the state Government's preparation for the election.

T Kipgen, president ATCF chaired the meeting wherein BD Behring; ex-MP, Dr R Shanga, advisor, COPTAM; Letpu Haokip, chairman, COPTAM; Rose Mangshi, president, Kuki Women Union, Manipur and Thangkam Lupheng, general secretary, COPTAM were also present.

The meeting unanimously adopted five resolutions among which the decision to oppose the next Village Authority election was prominently highlighted.

It was also resolved that amendments to the Village Authority Act, 1956 should be made in such a way that the cultural and traditional rights as well as land rights of the tribal are suitably protected.

The election should be conducted in each village as per the respective custom and traditions.

The meeting further resolved that a sub-committee on Village Authority Act, 1956 comprising the presidents of all the tribal chief associations be formed and entrusted ATCF and COPTAM with the task.

Lastly, it was also resolved to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister on the issue.

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