ATRPFM extends deadline, urges immediate intervention by HAC
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, August 30 2018: The 48-hour ultimatum served by All Tribal Rights' Protection Forum Manipur (ATRPFM) to the State Government, with regard to constitution of a new Cabinet Sub-Committee in respect of Senapati, Churachandpur and Tamenglong has been put on hold till September 4.This was resolved during executive meeting today, said Joseph Rongmei, president of the ATRPFM.

Joseph then appealed the members of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) to take up the matter immediately and bring an amicable solution by September 4, 2018, "failing which the responsibilities of any unwanted eventualities shall be solely of HAC" .

On August 23, 2018, the Secretary of the Tribal Affairs and Hills (TA & Hills), Government of Manipur, issued an order in pursuing to a decision of the State Cabinet to constitute a Cabinet Sub-Committee to look into the functioning of Autonomous District Councils in respect of Senapati, Churachandpur and Tamenglong.

Consequently, a six-member cabinet sub-committee was constituted led by Works Minister, Th Bishwarjit Singh as chairman with five ministers including V Hangkhanhan, Jayantakumar, L Dikho, Kayisii and Letpao Haokip as members to look into the functioning of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in respect of Senapati, Churachandpur and Tamenglong districts.

"We know that there are disputes and grievances among the ADC members of the above mentioned three ADCs.

However, those grievances have to be solved by the HAC as ADCs are within the purview of the committee," stated Joseph Rongmei.

"Admittedly, by virtue of Item No.2 of the Scheduled Matters in the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972 under Article 37IC of the Constitution, the 'constitution and power and functioning of District Councils in hill areas are absolutely within the purview of the Hill Areas Committee.

Thus, as per our understanding, the formation of a New Cabinet Sub-Committee to look into the functioning of Autonomous District Councils in respect of Senapati, Churachandpur and Tamenglong is arbitrary, bias and unconstitutional," said Joseph.

He also said that there is a Hill Areas Committee within Manipur Legislative Assembly to look after the ADCs, "and the Cabinet has no authority to interfere in functioning of ADCs in hill areas" .

The ADC is an autonomous body which come within the purview of the Hill Areas Committee and a Cabinet Sub-Committee is not a competent authority, Joseph also said.

"Accordingly, we oppose the formation of a Cabinet Sub-Committee," he added.

The tribal rights body leader then said that the ultimatum served by forum expired today.

"However, in public interest and to solve the problem in a peaceful manner, we have put on hold till September 4, 2018," Joseph stated.

"Within these three-four days, we will discuss the matter more minutely and take further decisions/actions accordingly," he also said.

At the same time, the HAC and State Government should also see loopholes if there is any andSrectify it, as per provisions of the Constitution and the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Order, 1972, the president of ATRPFM added.

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