UKHRUL: Several civil organisations, including the Indigenous People’s Forum, Manipur; Foothills Naga Coordination Committee; and Manipur Naga Youth Organisation, have written to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh seeking the reassignment of the Tribal Affairs & Hills Portfolio and Chairperson of Manipur Tribal Development Corporation (MTDC). The memorandum was received by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat today.
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Drawing attention to the Tribal Affairs & Hills Portfolio, and the Chairperson of MTDC, the memorandum stated that the Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who holds the portfolio, could not be stationed in Imphal due to the present crisis. As a result, it has become difficult for the public and concerned stakeholders to meet with her to address important department-related issues. This situation creates difficulties in effectively carrying out her duties and responsibilities, it added.
“The Tribal Affairs & Hills Portfolio and Chairperson of MTDC play a crucial role in addressing the developmental needs and welfare of the hill regions and tribal communities. Under the current circumstances, the lack of accessibility and regular presence is affecting timely decision-making and the implementation of necessary measures,” the memorandum read.
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Further, emphasizing that the matter is of urgent public concern, the organisations urged the Chief Minister’s office to consider reassigning the portfolio to a minister who is stationed in Imphal and can effectively oversee and manage the department’s responsibilities.