AMYPCO, UNACSU for public debate on new ADC Bill
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 26 2021: While All Manipur Youth Protection Committee (AMYPCO) demanded public approval of the Manipur (Hills Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021, the United All Communities Social Uplifters (UNACSU), Kangleipak said the organisation would not oppose enactment of Bill it is discussed as per the democratic process in the state assembly.

However, UANCSU cautioned that it would steadfastly oppose even discussion of the draft Bill in public platform if it happens to have communal contents and threatens harmonious co-existence of the different communities.

According to a statement of AMYPCO, the organisation considers the Bill being recommended by Hill Areas Committee for introduction in Manipur Legislative Assembly as inciting the innocent hill people ahead of assembly election by some selfish politicians doing electoral politics to disintegrate Manipur.

Though Article 371 C of Indian Constitution was enacted to protect, develop and give constitutional safeguard to the tribals after Manipur merged into the Indian Union, the Act is now being capitalised upon and misinterpreted to disintegrate people of the state, many of whom are now fully aware of those trying to break up Manipur lying in the shadow of powerful administrators by creating double administrative system.

Since the past many years, it has been the firm decision of the people that there should not be territorial council, 6th Schedule or administration bypassing Manipur government in the name of development under Manipur (hill areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021.It is very unfortunate that majority Meitei/Meetei community is being blamed for underdevelopment in the hills, the statement said.

There is no harm in giving more funding and administrative power in addition to policies and programmes to bring development in the hills but these policies and programme should be under the power and function of the government, AMYPCO said and appealed all concerned not to make any attempt to divide Manipur in the name of development but bring up thought and concept feasible with every community of the state.

The committee then appealed the government to take the matter seriously and seek consent of the people before its enactment.

Meanwhile, a statement of UNACSU said the government of Manipur shall be held responsible if the Bill happens to create division among communities and threatens its territorial integrity.

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