Motbung meet vows to pursue ADC Bill
Source: Chronicle News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, August 25 2021: Three resolutions were adopted in a consultative meeting held at Motbung in Kangpokpi district on Tuesday in connection with 'The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 recommended by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC)" .

The meeting organised by All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) was participated by All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Kuki Students' Organisation-General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) and their federating units, apex tribal organisations, district-based apex organisations, women organisations, students' bodies, scholars and well-wishers.

According to ATSUM, after views of all the participating members were taken into consideration, the meeting "unanimously adopted" the three resolutions.

Firstly, the meeting resolved to condemn the "biased" act of the state government for not allowing the conduct of 'tribal consultative meeting" in Imphal on "The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 recommended by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC)".

Secondly, the consultative meeting resolved to form a committee under the aegis of ATSUM to "shoulder the ADC Bill 2021 movement".

Thirdly, the consultative meeting resolved to organise consultative/sensitisation programmes on the Bill in the hill districts.

The Union then said that the meeting "unequivocally" appreciated the initiatives of the "chairman and members of HAC in recommending a historic Bill which seeks to empower Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) under Article 371C".Meanwhile, ATSUM "vehemently" condemned the "discriminatory" act of the government of Manipur for not allowing conduct of the Consultative meeting which was planned to be held in Imphal on Tuesday.

The Union said that the "desperate act" of the state government revealed its partiality, autocratic and "rhetoric nature" of governing the state.

"The state government, which proudly claimed to have administered people oriented and socially tranquil administration in the state failed to keep its advocacy by letting the valley based organisations to convene a public meeting on the ADC Bill 2021, whereas the tribal organisations were deprived of the same in Imphal, the state capital", ATSUM alleged.

ATSUM then said that it seriously views the "belligerent" act of Manipur police for repeatedly surveilling the houses of tribal student leaders in Imphal.

The students' body said that this act of the "state police at the behest" of the government will not find the solution.

"Rather, it will escalate the situation," it cautioned.

ATSUM then said that the tribal leaders with the "support of tribal populace" will not waver nor bow down to any force trying to suppress the tribal movement.

Comment