3 Bills do not infringe on the existing rights of tribal communities in Manipur: Govt
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, September 01 2015:
Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi chaired an emergency cabinet on Tuesday and held another meeting with the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) to review the present law and order situation arising out of the violent protest leading to arson and destruction of residences of ministers and members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly in hill areas which also led to the death of seven persons.
The agitation was called against the passing of the three Bills by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31 - The Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015, The Manipur Land Revenues & Land Reforms (7th Amendment) Bill, 2015 and The Manipur Shops & Establishment (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2015 .
The organisations calling the agitation perceive the bills as "are anti tribal and violates the provision of Article 371 C and the Manipur State Hill People Regulation, 1947" .
A Government official release clarified that the three bills do not infringe on the existing rights of the tribal communities settled in the State of Manipur and also do not impinges on the provision of Article 371 C and the subsequent Presidential order of 1972 which provides for Scheduled areas and matters as also the Manipur State Hill People Regulation, 1947 .
It is also clarified that the present amendment of MLR&LR Act which was passed in the Assembly does not extend to Hill Areas and in no way it will affect or alter the present status of tribal land.
There seems to be "misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the provisions of the bills" leading to the tragic incidents on Monday and Tuesday causing tremendous losses including human lives, the release said.
The State Government appealed all sections of the society to maintain peace and calm in Manipur.
Any differences may be discussed and settled across the table, stressed the Government statement.
The Government emphasized that Manipur deserves peace and tranquility for its people, especially the children and youth.
All stakeholders have been asked to come forward for discussion with the Government to bring a solution to the present situation prevailing in the State.