ITLF Rejects HAC's ADC Election Resolution, Opposes Border Fencing

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) strongly condemns the recent resolution passed by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) on October 14, 2024, which proposes the creation of temporary committees for each of the Autonomous District Councils (ADC) in Manipur until elections are held.

In a statement issued today, the ITLF said the decision is utterly unacceptable, as it was made without the involvement of Kuki-Zo MLAs, who represent the tribal community. The HAC’s move reflects a fundamental disregard for the democratic participation of the very people it claims to represent.

The HAC's recommendation to conduct ADC elections amid the ongoing ethnic violence is both contentious and highly undesirable. After years of delay, why now, in the midst of a bloody conflict that has claimed so many lives? The last ADC elections were held in 2016, and since then, no local body elections have been conducted by the state government. ADCs have been left without the necessary funds to perform their functions, exposing the state's neglect of the welfare of the hill people. This resolution is nothing but a diversionary tactic meant to disrupt the momentum of our struggle for a separate administration from the Manipur government.

We want to make it clear that we will not be distracted by the call for ADC elections, particularly at a time when our community is facing unprecedented violence, oppression, and vilification by the state government. We advise the people not to participate in the ADC elections until our political demand for a separate administration is addressed and a peaceful resolution is reached, ITLF added.

Regarding the issue of border fencing along the India-Myanmar border, the ITLF reiterates its strong opposition to the decision to scrap the Free Movement Regime (FMR) and to proceed with the border fencing. On January 24, 2024, the ITLF said, "we submitted a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, requesting the reversal of this decision. The FMR has long been vital for maintaining social, cultural, and economic ties between tribal communities living on both sides of the border. This fencing will disrupt these ties and negatively impact the indigenous people who have historically lived as one community across the border."

The people of Mizoram and Nagaland have also expressed their opposition to the fencing, recognizing the importance of preserving these cross-border relationships. The ITLF stands united with them and calls on all tribal people, especially village chiefs and government employees, to refrain from participating in any border fencing activities that will divide our people and harm our shared heritage.

"We urge the Government of India to reconsider its stance on both the ADC elections and border fencing, and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the tribal communities of Manipur to find a just and lasting solution."