NPF Manipur condemns killing; warns of unrest in other hill districts
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 02 2015: Naga People's Front (NPF) Manipur State Unit has strongly condemned the "killing of innocent people" in Churachandpur on August 31 and September 1 during the protests against the passing of three bills in the Assembly.

The party has also warned that similar unrest may prevail in other hill areas if the State Government keeps delaying the formation of ADCs in Tamenglong and Chandel Districts.

In a press note, NPF Manipur State Unit General Secretary Honreikhui Kashung said the "ugly incident" in Churachandpur could have been avoided had the state Government taken measures before passing The Manipur Land Revenues & Land Reforms and The Protection of Manipur Peoples Bills 2015. The party said that the Bills should have been first referred to the Hill Area Committee (HAC) for discussion as per the Rule of Procedure and the Conduct of Business of Manipur Legislative Assembly.

As the Hill Area MLAs represent the hill people, they understand the people's sentiment and interest.

Since the Bill was not referred, it leaves no room for the hill people to present their interests in the Bill, said NPF.

NPF Manipur Unit also alleged that State Government has failed to understand the multi ethnic component that constitutes the people of Manipur.

The hill peoples were not consulted while drafting the Bills and hence they have been compelled to feel suspicious of the bills' effect.

Blaming the Government for deliberately ignoring the voice of the people, NPF State Unit pointed out that Chief Minister Ibobi and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam "never cared to listen until some precious lives are lost." NPF also said the Bills passed showed procedural lapses as per the Rule of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Manipur Legislative Assembly.

The party made it clear that the State Government should own up responsibility for the current unrest in which people have been killed.

Honreikhui Kashung also warned that similar reaction and situation may soon prevail in the hill districts if the State Government fails to form ADCs in Chandel and Tamenglong Districts.

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