Kuki chiefs on Village Authority election
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 03 2012:
The Kuki Chiefs' Association has decided to oppose the proposed Village Authority election unless the Manipur Village Authority (Hill Areas) Act, 1956 is amended in conformity with the tribal customary laws.
This was decided during an emergency meeting of the Kuki Chiefs' Association, Manipur held today at B Vengnom Community Hall, Churachandpur.
The meeting also resolved to take up measures pertaining to safeguarding the land and chief rights of the Kukis, and to apprise the matter to the apex body of the Kukis, the Kuki Inpi Manipur.
The Kuki chiefs further resolved to stand in unison in resisting forcible conduct of the Village Authority election.
The KCAM also decided to use same emblem in their respective letterheads.
Around 300 Kuki chiefs from all over the State attended the meeting.
Speaking to media persons, KCAM President, D Ngulkholun Haokip pointed out that the institution of chieftainship is challenged in some clauses of the Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas) 2nd Amendment Ordinance, 2010 which are also against the customary laws.
VA chairmen, secretaries and members are elected by the people with the approval of the concerned chiefs since the time of British rule, Ngulkholun said, adding that this tradition has been followed till date without any complaint from the public.
He asserted that the Kuki chiefs are not against the Government or the said Ordinance, but only demanding amendment of certain clauses of the Ordinance.
Memorandum has been submitted to the Governor as well as the Chief Minister in this regard, Ngulkholun said while expressing optimism that the demand would be heard in the interest of the public.