ZYF objects to non-tribal ADC members

Demands merger of Zeliangrong villages under Sadar Hills with Tamenglong district   Imphal, August 21 (MExN): The Zeliangrong Youth Front has objected to the election of two Nepalese as Autonomous District Councils (ADC) members in the Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council of Senapati District arguing that through their election as ADC members, “the purpose and objective of the enactment of the Manipur (Hills Areas) Autonomous District Council Act, 1971 purely to safeguard and protect the tribal people was totally violated constitutionally and legally which is unacceptable and null and void ab initio.”  

In a press release, the ZYF also flayed the responsible officers who allowed non-tribal persons to file nomination papers and contest the election of the ADC “since there is no provision of ADC unreserved constituency in the said District Council Act.”   This, it stated, is the basis of ZYF’s representation of the sentiments and interests of the Zeliangrong people who have been demanding amalgamation of Zeliangrong areas in other districts particularly those Zeliangrong villages falling within the jurisdiction of Sadar Hills to merge with Tamenglong district.