Hold ADC polls as scheduled, ATSUM demands
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 12 2020: The All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has threatened to launch different modes of intense agitation if the State Government does not initiate necessary steps to hold election to the six Autonomous District Councils in time.

Speaking to media persons today at Adimjati Shiksha Ashram complex, Chingmeirong this afternoon ATSUM general secretary SR Andria pointed out that term of office of the incumbent ADCs of Chandel, Churachandpur, Sadar Hills (Kangpokpi), Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul expired in May this year.

Yet, the State Cabinet, acting on a recommendation of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) extended the term of office by six months.

Hold ADC polls as scheduled, ATSUM demands

The HAC at a meeting held on January 29 this year decided to extend the term of office of the incumbent ADCs by six months and hold election in November, Andria said.

After the HAC's decisions were submitted to the State Government, the State Cabinet gave its consent on March 3 to extend the term of office from June 1 to November 30 .

The Additional Chief Secretary (Tribal Affairs & Hills) issued an order to this effect on March 19.The same order mentioned that the ADC elections would be held in October/November, Andria said.

The HAC in its latest meeting held on October 8 decided to recommend the Government to hold ADC election in time.

The ATSUM general secretary also hailed the same decision adopted by the HAC Chairman and Members in the interest of hill people.

But it looks like the State Government is not serious enough about the HAC's recommendations and no preparation has been initiated till date for the ADC election, he remarked.

ATSUM has been urging the authorities concerned through media and memorandum to hold the ADC election in time.

If the Government does not pay heed to the HAC's recommendation and repeated appeals of ATSUM, the student body is prepared to launch different modes of agitation in association with like-minded organisations and the public, Andria said.

The State Government should be held accountable for any untoward incident resulting thereof, he added.