Hold ADC polls : NPF
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04 2024: The State Government must uphold the Cabinet decision to hold the ADC elections in the month of September without fail, said the Naga People's Front, Manipur State Unit today.

The last Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections were in June 2015 and were due in 2020 .

The State Government this time must convert the Cabinet decision into reality and hold the elections in September as decided, the NPF/MSU said in a statement.

When Manipur was granted Statehood in 1972, Article 371 (C)--special provision with respect to the State of Manipur was enacted.

In-order to fulfil this provision, and to strengthen Indian democracy at the district/grassroot level, the Parliament enacted the Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous District Council Act 1971 .

Thus, this Constitutional provision can't be ignored by any authority or the Government, it said.

There have been repeated delays in holding the ADC elections.

There was a time when the ADC elections were postponed for a period of 20 years, it said.

The last ADC elections were due in May/June 2020.However, the ADC elections were postponed due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

While the elections to the ADCs were not held, the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election was held in the early part of 2022, and again, the 18th Lok Sabha elections 2024 were recently held and completed.

The competent authority must conduct the ADC elections this time without fail because it will be a positive step towards fulfilling the three tier system of Indian democracy, said the NPF/MSU.

The NPF Manipur State Unit appreciates the Cabinet decision and expects the State Government to hold elections to ADCs, Panchayats and Municipalities in September 2024.The elections must be held without fail.

Failing to conduct the elections will amount to neglecting the Constitutional provision for development of Manipur Hill areas, it added.

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