The Tangkhul Frontal Organisations have vehemently condemned the recent decision by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) to reconstitute Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) through a selection process. In a press conference held on Wednesday at the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) President’s chamber, leaders from various organisations, including TNL, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), and Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), called the HAC's decision "unconstitutional" and "undemocratic."
The HAC's resolution, passed on October 14, proposes the formation of a 20-member council, with 18 members to be selected from former ADC members, local self-government experts, and intellectuals, alongside two government nominees. The Tangkhul Frontal Organisations argue that this move undermines democratic principles and disrespects the rights of the hill people.
Sword Vashum, President of TNL, stated, "This decision is an insult to the people of the Hills. We reject it outright. It is arbitrary and runs contrary to the democratic process. We will not allow this reconstituted ADC to function in Ukhrul District."
Vashum also demanded the resignation of HAC Chairman and all elected representatives involved in the decision, emphasizing that their actions must be held accountable. He questioned the selection criteria for the council members, expressing concerns over how government nominees would be chosen, suggesting a "divide and rule" tactic.
"We are not a flock of sheep to be driven around. Enough is enough," Vashum asserted, calling for clarity from the three Tangkhul MLAs regarding their positions on the HAC's resolution.
The Tangkhul Frontal Organisations have made it clear that they will not accept any governance that bypasses the democratic framework established for the hill areas, insisting on a representative body that truly reflects the will of the people.
Meanwhile, the Naga People's Front (NPF) expressed strong opposition to the proposed construction of a border fence between India and Myanmar in the Naga-inhabited areas. Naga body in Manipur opposes Indo-Myanmar border fencing plan, demands early elections for Hill Area Councils.
The Naga People's Front (NPF), Manipur unit, expressed strong opposition to the proposed construction of a border fence between India and Myanmar in the Naga-inhabited areas.
The organization emphasized that the boundary should be corrected in line with traditional demarcations before any fencing work is carried out. They argue that proceeding with the project without addressing these concerns would disregard the historical and cultural significance of the traditional boundary, potentially disrupting the lives and livelihoods of local communities.
In a separate but related demand, the NPF reiterated their call for the long-overdue elections for the six Autonomous District Councils (ADC) in Manipur's hill areas. The elections, which have been pending since 2020, were addressed in their earlier press statement on August 5, 2024. The organizations underscored the need to expedite the election process in the best interests of the hill area's citizens. They urged the Manipur government to adhere to the Cabinet decision dated June 13, 2024, which had committed to conducting the elections.
The NPF welcomed the Hill Area Committee's (HAC) recent recommendation, dated October 14, 2024, under Resolution No. 59/2024-(HAC), which called for the immediate conduct of the Autonomous District Council elections. The organization stressed that any unconstitutional delay or proposal affecting the election process undermines the democratic rights of grassroots communities. They asserted that restoring local self-governance through timely elections is essential for justice and effective administration in the region.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
