Newmai News Network Imphal | August 18 Six Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Manipur today reiterated their demand for the implementation of Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous District Councils Act, 1971. They also demanded that Rules 1972 with the subsequent Amendment Act of 2008 be ensured in toto, “in letter and spirit”. The demands were made during the ‘one-day political conference of the 6 Autonomous District Council members, Manipur’ held at District Council Bhavan, Chingmeirong, Imphal. The demands come after the ADC members thoroughly discussed their present status and on how to acquire the rights which have “been suppressed for the 20 years”. Chairmen from the six ADCs shared the dais during the programme. The members of the six ADCs alleged that the rights of the tribal people have been betrayed by the Government of Manipur. “The Government of Manipur has failed to implement the Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous District Councils Act, 1971 and Rules 1972 with the subsequent Amendment Act of 2008,” further alleged the ADC members. According to them, because of these reasons ADCs cannot function properly. The members of the ADCs felt it is time they fight together for their rights irrespective of different political parties and communities. One of the points adopted during the conference said that the government enhances the salary and allowances of the members of the six ADCs. The ADC members also demanded that the provision for pension benefits to all ex-members and council employees as per Section 27 (B) of the District Councils Act, 1971 as amended Act of 2008 is ensured. Filling up of all categories of vacant sanctioned posts under the six ADCs at the earliest was also demanded. They further demanded that “creation of all required posts in all the departments under the six ADCs shall be effected for smooth and effective functioning of administration of each District Council Government”. The six ADCs added, “Since land is a very sensitive issue in nature, on acquisition of land in the hill districts, the Manipur State Government should mandatorily obtain prior consent of the Autonomous District Councils on such matters as per provision of the relevant Act and Rules”. They also demanded the inclusion of the chairmen of the six ADCs of Manipur in the Advisory Board of Tribal Affairs (TA) & Hills Department and also in the District Planning Committee/Board. The six ADCs also said that since Amendment of District Councils Act of 2008 has a flaw, today’s conference “resolved that the matter be taken up with the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) for necessary correction (s)/rectification”. It also resolved that whatsoever future course of action or launching of “democratic forms of persuasion,” the co-ordination committee of the six ADCs will be effectively endorsed. They asserted that such “launching of democratic forms of persuasion” will become necessary “in the event of the non-fulfillment/implementation of the aforesaid charter of demands within the month of September, 2018.”
