Nepalis to boycott Panchayat polls
MLA evokes customary law to approve joining Nepali villages under Saikul A/C
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 11 2012: Demanding reunion with Saikul A/C, seven Nepali (Gorkha) villages of Makeng Dolaithabi Gram Panchayat, which are presently under Sawombung Sub-division, have decided to boycott the forthcoming Panchayat elections scheduled on September 13 .

In connection with the demands of the 7 villages, a memorandum was submitted by Gorkha Welfare Association, Saikul Sub-Division, Sadar Hills to local MLA Yamthong Haokip.

It is said that no representative from the seven Nepali villages have filed nominations to contest in the forthcoming Panchayat elections.

In connection with the demands made by the Association, a public meeting was held at Saikul Bazaar today where leaders of various social organizations in Saikul area participated.

After a thorough deliberation, the meeting categorically resolved that the seven Nepali (Gorkha) villages namely Motakhong, Iram Gorkha, Molkom Gorkha, Hangoipat Gorkha, Makeng Ngulrou, Bunglung Gorkha and Liklatabi should be brought under Saikul Assembly Constituency.

Accordingly, MLA of Saikul A/C Yamthong Haokip has declared induction of the seven villages into Saikul Sub-Division as per customary law of the land.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA Yamthong Haokip said that the seven Nepali villagers were under Saikul A/C before.

However, the villages were later brought under Sawombung sub-division of Imphal East District following the delimitation exercise conducted in 1981-82 .

Ever since the villagers come under the administration of Gram Panchayat, there has been no development in these seven villages.

So, inclusion of the seven villages under the administration of Autonomous District Council (ADC) would help in bringing about development to a great extent.

As such, it was considered appropriate to give the approval in accordance to the customary law, Yamthong asserted.

Damar Rai, Chairman of Gorkha Welfare Association Saikul Sub-Division, Sadar Hills, Manipur, who was also present at the public meeting, informed that the people of the seven Nepali villages were given only seven days' work out of the mandated 100 days' work under MGNREGS.

Since there has been no development in the seven villags after inclusion in Sawombung Sub-division, Imphal East, the Association has demanded for reunion with Saikul A/C .

A memorandum in this regard has also been submitted to the Governor, the Chief Minister and the DCs of Senapati and Imphal East earlier, he further informed, adding that at present there are around 1700 voters in these seven villages.

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