TMNL decries prolonged delay in ADC polls
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, March 03 2024:
Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), the Tangkhul youth council, has questioned the motive behind the prolonged delay in the long- overdue elections to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), while urging both the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) and the state government to fulfil their responsibilities and take necessary steps to ensure that the elections are held without further delay.
Speaking at a press conference at their Viewland office on Sunday, TMNL president Themaso Tallanao termed as unprecedented the inordinate delay in conducting the ADC elections for the past three years.
He also highlighted the adverse effects due to absence of grassroots governance, stating that the same has severely affected the development activities in the hill districts.
"So it is our earnest appeal to both HAC and the state government to understand the plights of the backward population of the hill districts and take necessary prompt steps to reinstate the grassroots governance at the earliest.
This will be in the interest of ensuring equal development and justice for both the hills and valley," he said.
According to Tallanao, the democratic process of electing local representatives is crucial for the overall growth and progress of the hill districts, and the continued neglect of this process has only exacerbated the situation.
"In view of the gross violation of the constitution due to the prolonged delay in holding the ADC elections, the youth council would be constrained to launch series of agitation if the relevant authorities continue to neglect the voices and constitutional rights of the hill people," warned Tallanao.
The youth council leader also accused the state authorities of using delay tactics, causing a significant delay in the already long-overdue elections.
He contended that the caretaker administration in the local governance is seen as a ploy to further delay the elections.
He also strongly criticised CM Biren Singh's statement made during the on-going state assembly session on March 1 regarding the postponement of ADC elections until the completion of the pending delimitation process.
Tallanao expressed disappointment over the statement, stating that it blatantly showcases the CM's lack of concern for the progress and well-being of the hill districts.
He added that such misleading statements should not have been made on the assembly floor, as they only serve to hinder the prospect of equal development of the state.
He then questioned as to why the delimitation exercise has been dragging on for the past three years when it could have been concluded within a mere three-month span, while emphasizing the urgency and importance of the ADC elections.
It may be recalled that the last tenure of ADCs of Manipur (2015-2020) ended on 31 May, 2020, and the State Government extended their terms by six months from June 1 till November 30, 2020 under section 13 of ADCs Act, 1971 .
However, thereafter the elections have not been conducted till date.