The Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL) on Tuesday lambasted the prolonged delay in conducting the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) elections and urged both the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) and the state government to fulfil their bounden responsibilities without further delay.
TMNL president Themaso Tallanao questioned the intention behind inordinate delay in conducting the ADC elections for the past three years. He was briefing the media persons in Ukhrul town.
Highlighting the absence of grassroots governance, he lamented that this has hugely affected the development activities in the hill districts.
“Taking this genuine negligence into consideration, it is our earnest appeal to both the HAC and the State Government to understand the plights of the backward communities of the hill districts and take necessary steps and fully animate the grassroots governance at the earliest. This will be in the interest of ensuring equal development and justice for both the hills and valleys,” he stressed.
He continued that the democratic process of electing local representatives is crucial for the overall growth and progress of the hill districts. This continued lackadaisical attitude further exacerbated the situation, he alleged.
“In view of the gross violation of the Constitution due to the prolonged delay in holding ADC polls, the youth council would be compelled to launch a series of agitation if the relevant authorities continue to neglect the voices and constitutional rights of the hill people,” warned Tallanao.
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He also accused the state authorities of using delay tactics, thereby causing a significant delay in the already long-overdue elections. He further contended that the caretaker administration in the local governance is seen as a ploy to further delay the elections.
He also strongly criticised Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s statement during the 12th state assembly session on March 1 regarding the postponement of ADC elections until the completion of the pending delimitation process.
Tallanao expressed disappointment over Singh’s statement, maintaining that it blatantly showcases the CM’s lack of concern for the progress and well-being of the hill districts.
He further said that such misleading statements should not have been made on the assembly floor, as they only serve to hinder the prospect of equal development of the state.
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He questioned as to why the delimitation exercise has been dragging on for the past three years when it could have been concluded within a span of three-month, while emphasising the urgency and importance of the ADC elections.
It is worth noting that the last tenure of ADCs of Manipur (2015-2020) ended on May 31, 2020, and the state government extended their terms by six months from June 1 till November 30, 2020 under section 13 of ADCs Act, 1971. However, the elections have not been conducted till date.
