Plan to grant district status on Sadar Hills, Jiribam Civil societies raise objection
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 11 2016 :
The Zeliangrong Baudi, AZSU and the Tribal Rights Demand Committee, Jiribam have raised strong objection against the Government's purported intention to grant full fledged district status to Jiribam and Sadar Hills.
"We don't oppose creation of any district in Manipur State since creation of district is for administrative conveniences.
However, the proposed creation of full fledged Jiribam district and Sadar Hills district should not disturb or carve out land from Zeliangrong people", said a joint statement issued by Zeliangrong Baudi and AZSU.
They further urged the Government of Manipur not to take any decision against the wish and interest of the Zeliangrong people.
Meanwhile, a press release issued by the Tribal Rights Demand Committee (TRDC), Jiribam said that it has decided to launch a peaceful democratic protest soon against the State Government's intention to declare Jiribam as a full fledged district without consent of the tribal populace.
The systematic efforts to make the hill area status of Jiribam by changing the name of hill allowance enjoyed by Government employees to 'difficulty allowance', removal of Tribal Development block, stoppage of hill house tax of tribal villages and the alleged intention to make tribal inhabited area revenue land is seen as a sinister design to rob the tribals of their identity and land rights.
"The tribals of Jiribam welcome upgradation of Jiribam sub-division to a district if only the rights of minorities and tribals are preserved", TRDC added.