ATRPM submits memo to CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 18 2014: All Tribal Rights Protection Forum Manipur (ATRPFM) submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi demanding annulment of Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council 3rd Amendment Act 2008 .

The memorandum demanded full power to the ADCs.

It added that tribal land, HAC and ADC are affected by Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council 3rd Amendments Act 2008 .

By virtue of the Article 371(c) of the Constitution and subsequent order date 20th June, 1972 issued by the then president VV Giri, 13 items including District Councils, economic planning, forest, land and water resources, jhum cultivation, village administration, public health and sanitation, marriage and divorce, social customs etc., are within purview of the Hill Areas Committee, the memorandum said.

However, to everybody's surprise, the said powers have been taken away from the purview of the HAC including Rural Development and Tribal Affairs, the memorandum said and added that the Minister in-charge of Tribal Affairs has nothing to do with the subject matters related to HAC because both the HAC and ADC have its own Acts.

The analysis of the powers and functions of HAC shows that the Committee is a powerful instrument to safeguard the tribal interests and promote good governance and development process in the Hill Areas.

So these is the right of tribals to achieve the power of the ADC, the memorandum said.

HAC sans the Sixth Schedule District Autonomy cannot safeguard the political aspiration and traditional rights of the tribal people of the State.

Now, it is the rights of tribals and duty to emphasise and take steps so as to fulfil the spirit and entitlements of Article 371(c) through HAC before it is too late, it added.

Furthermore, ATRPFM demanded the Government to depute specialist doctors and adequate medical staff to every Government medical facilities of the hill districts.

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