Forum demands ADC polls, more autonomy
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 23 2024: Expressing concern over the prolonged delay in holding the pending elections, Imphal Naga Forum (INF) has called for early conduct of the Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections in the hill districts.

In a press communique, INF highlighted repeated promises made by the state government to conduct elections to local bodies, including those for the Municipalities, Panchayats, and ADCs, but non-materialisation of the same assurances.

INF referred to the latest cabinet decision on June 13, 2024, conveyed to the secretary of Manipur State Assembly by the deputy secretary of TD & Hills on July 24, seeking views of Hill Areas Committee (HAC) regarding holding of election to local bodies.

Additionally, a letter from secretary to the chief minister, N Geoffrey, dated June 24, was forwarded to the special chief secretary for obtaining opinions of HAC on ADC polls.

However, no follow up decisive action has been taken.

The ADC elections, originally scheduled for June 2020, were postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19, regardless of the conduct of state assembly and Lok Sabha elections amid the pandemic, INF noted and expressed dismay over continued delay in holding the ADC polls.

The Forum also criticised Hill Areas Committee chairman for failing to convene a meeting of the hill MLAs for taking a concrete decision on the polls.

INF stressed that local self-governance and grassroots democracy have been denied to the people of hill areas for the past four years due to the absence of elected ADC members.

As a result, developmental activities and projects in the hill districts have come to a standstill, with local issues left unaddressed.

The Forum urged the chairman to convene a meeting of HAC and convey its decision to the state government without further delay along with demanding that the upcoming ADC polls provide greater autonomy and financial power to the councils.

Failure to hold the elections in a timely manner may result in widespread protests and agitations by the people, INF warned.

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