Demonstrations denounce appointment of nominees
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 12 2024:
Condemning the appointment of nominees instead of conducting Panchayat election, protest demonstrations were held in different places.
Demanding resignation of RD and PR minister Yumnam Khemchand for alleged violation of Manipur Panchayati Raj Act 1994 Section 22 Amendment, people of Changangei Gram Panchayat staged protest and locked the Panchayat Ghar at Changangei Awang Leikai on Tuesday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, one Ayekpam Ibempisak decried BJP government for disregarding democracy and flouting rules of Panchayat.
It is unfortunate that the government appointed nominee members without conducting the Panchayat election.
Though the works of job card holders had been halted for two-three years, resumption of the same work soon after the nomination vividly signifies violation of rules of Panchayat, she added.
Meanwhile, a protest rally was taken out from JT Road Chingdong Leikai to DC in Jiribam against constitution of administrative committee without conducting Panchayat election.
Speaking in this regard, Jiribam Zilla Parishad adhyaksha Kh Janaki Devi recounted that Jiribam DC issued an order removing Panchayati Raj members and formed administrative committee by violating Manipuri Raj Act, 1994 Amendment Section 22 sub-close (a) .
According to Section (22) of Manipur Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, former elected representatives should continue if the government fails to conduct election, she pointed out, while demanding the government to revoke its order for setting up of administrative committee.
A memorandum was also submitted to the Jiribam DC demanding administration of Panchayati Raj system according to Manipur Panchayati Raj Act, 1994 .
On the other hand, Toubul Welfare Association secretary Th Bira said that the government established administrative committee by violating the norms of Panchayati Raj Act as if they can do whatever they want.
As such, Lok Sabha election should not be conducted but the parliamentarians appointed, he wryly stated.
Speaking to media persons, Th Bira declared that Panchayati Raj institutes along with the people will launch intense protest if the government does not revoke the order.
In denunciation of disregarding the people of rural areas and not upholding order of Manipur High Court, people of rural areas might even boycott Lok Sabha elections, he cautioned.