Hill bodies draw attention of CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukhrul/CCpur, August 21 2021: The Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) has come out strongly against the alleged dilly dallying tactics of the State Government in giving the nod to the proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill 2021.This is total disregard for the hill areas of the State, it alleged and decried the decision of the State Cabinet not to table the Bill which the Hill Areas Committee had adopted.

The Monsoon session will end on August 24, it said and demanded that the said Bill must be passed before the end of the session.

How long is the Government going to delay the long pending rights of the hill areas, it asked and questioned why it is always sacrificed at the altar of successive Governments.

'Enough is enough, it's a matter of now or never.

How long are we to be fooled and kicked around.

Tangible developments, peace and prosperity will happen only when HAC and district councils are strengthened', added TNWL.

The "Ching Tam Amatani" slogan has no meaning so long as the aspirations of the Hill areas remain unfulfilled, it added.

Inclusive development of both Hill and Valley districts of Manipur is the need of the hour to ensure just and peaceful coexistence among the different communities, said the statement and added that this need not be read on communal line because this is part and parcel of what India Constitution has granted to the hill people.

Enacting this Bill would in no way take away an iota of developmental funds meant for the valley brethren.

Each according to their rightful share, it added.

The Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang (TNZL) and Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang (TNAL) have also urged the Chief Minister to pass the Bill passed by the Hill Areas Committee.

The two bodies expressed hope that the Chief Minister who initiated missions such as 'Go to village' and 'Go to hills' will demonstrate care and concern for the hill people at this juncture and the said Bill is translated into Act in the interest of the Hill areas in particular and the whole of Manipur in general.

ZCA urges CM: The Zomi Chiefs Association has also called on the Chief Minister and other legislators to support the proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill, 2021 that was recommended by the Hill Areas Committee.

The proposed Bill, if passed, will partly address the administrative distinctiveness of the Hills and Valley areas as enshrined in Article 371 C through the Hill Areas Committee and partially fulfil the historical autonomy enjoyed by the tribal people from time immemorial.

It will also be a more judicious distribution of power for a more cordial and peaceful coexistence amongst the various communities of the State, said a statement issued by the ZCA.

The ZCA maintained that, the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Act, 1971 has undergone several amendments; however, the disproportionate level of development between the Hills and Valley of Manipur as witnessed today even 50 years after the implementation of this Act is a clear testament to the inadequacies and deficiencies of the Act.

The proposed "Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill, 2021" apparently attempts at structural alignment between the Hill Areas Committee, the Autonomous District Councils and the Village Authority for a seamless flow of administration in the Hill Areas of Manipur.

The Zomi Chiefs Association, therefore, fervently appealed the leader of the House N Biren Singh to support the Bill along with other legislators and called upon all tribal MLAs to ensure that this Bill is translated into an Act in the interest of the Hill Areas in particular and the State as a whole.

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