‘This need not be read in a communal tone because this is part and parcel of what the Indian constitution has granted to the hill people. Implementing this bill into Act would in no way takes away an iota of developmental funds meant for the valley brethren,’
TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
The apex body of Tangkhul headmen’s association, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) came down heavily on the Manipur Government for allegedly playing dilly dallying tactics over the proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill 2021. The state government’s attitude is a clear sign of total disregard to the Hill Areas of the state, it said.
Pushing for the passage of the bill in the ongoing monsoon session which will conclude on August 24, TNWL said the bill should have been accorded topmost priority given the importance it holds for the Hill Areas of the state. ”How long is the government going to delay the long pending rights of the hill areas? It need not always be sacrificed at the altar of successive governments.” It added.
Tangkhul headmen’s association said, “Enough is enough; it’s a matter of now or never. How long are we to be fooled and kicked around? Tangible developments, peace and prosperity will only happen when HAC and district councils are strengthened.”
It further said, “Shouting “Chingtam Amani” slogans had no meaning so long the heart of the matter facing the Hill areas remained unfulfilled. Inclusive development of both Hill and Valley districts of Manipur is the need of the hour to ensure just and peaceful coexistence among the myriad communities of the state,”
“This need not be read in a communal tone because this is part and parcel of what the Indian constitution has granted to the hill people. Implementing this bill into Act would in no way take away an iota of developmental funds meant for the valley brethren. Each according to their rightful shares perfectly rings loud,” it added.
In a statement issued by TNWL president SA Ramnganing and its secretary Kaphaoleng Angkang, the association said elections come and go but decentralisation of powers duly conferred to Hill Areas Committee and Autonomous District Councils remained a far cry. “If Manipur government is truly committed for the well-being of all communities, a question of ifs or buts shouldn’t arise from ruling dispensation and Opposition parties in introducing and passing the proposed bill,” it added.
Hill areas MLAs cutting across party lines need to get out of their comfort zone and join hands together and ensure that the bill is introduced and passed as an Act. There wouldn’t be a better opportunity to read the real thoughts of the Valley MLAs than today as their true colour will be reflected in the floor of the session, it said.
The association further said the writing on the wall clearly indicates that the Manipur government has no petite for equal development. Because they are not in favour of anything that would provide the just rights that rightfully belongs to Hill Areas. This will be a litmus test for tribal communities whether the Manipur government is equally committed to both Hill and Valley districts of the state.
In the event of failure on the part of the Manipur government to introduce and pass the Bill as an Act, TNWL would not remain a mute spectator, it warned.