Naga lawyers urged Governor to nullify HAC move
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, October 31 2024: A delegation of Naga Lawyers' Association, Manipur, led by its president Mark Khapai, met with the Governor on Thursday to voice concerns regarding the Hill Areas Committee (HAC)'s recommendation dated October 14.The association submitted a memorandum to the Governor expressing serious reservations about the HAC's unprecedented resolution, with reference to the state cabinet's decision on June 13, 2024 .

The HAC recommendation suggests appointing members to the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) from former ADC members, experts in local self-government, or other eminent individuals and intellectuals, with two members to be nominated by the government in each district until ADC elections are held.

The memorandum raised legal concerns over the basis of the HAC recommendation to appoint ADC members by nomination, a move that bypasses the democratic electoral process outlined under Section 4(2) of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971, which mandates election by adult suffrage.

The Naga Lawyers' Association urged the Governor to take immediate action, invoking the special powers vested in him by Article 371C of the Indian Constitution, read with its Rules GSR 317(E) as issued by the President of India on June 20, 1972.Additionally, the association emphasised the critical need for the Governor's intervention to expedite the overdue ADC elections, which have been delayed for nearly four years since the end of the previous term.

This prolonged delay has left ADC offices dormant, hampering essential governance, development initiatives, and the rights of the hill people, according to the memorandum.

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