Ukhrul, October 27, 2024: The newly formed Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) in a press statement on Sunday has expressed firm opposition to the Manipur Government’s decision to form ‘adhoc committees’ for the six Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in the state. The council denounced the move as a direct challenge to democratic values and the autonomy granted to the ADCs, arguing that the decision undermines the elected representatives’ authority, thereby eroding the foundations of self-governance in tribal areas.
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The KZC contended that the resolution approved by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) through Resolution No. 59 on October 14, 2024, contradicts the provisions of the District Councils Act of 1971 and its accompanying Rules of 1972. According to the Kuki-Zo Council, this measure infringes upon the powers and functions established by law, marking a serious curtailment of the ADCs’ constitutional mandate in Manipur.
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Labeling the government’s recent actions as a calculated attempt to suppress political and democratic freedoms, the KZC emphasized that this maneuver is seen as a threat to the rights of the tribal community in the state. The KZC also expressed concerns that this move raises doubts regarding the Manipur government’s commitment to democratic principles and that the exclusion of ten Kuki-Zo legislators from the 20-member HAC in the decision-making process reflects a lack of transparency and trust.
The Kuki-Zo Council reiterated that since the violent events of May 3, 2023, the Kuki-Zo community has lost confidence in achieving justice within the current political framework of Manipur. They stressed that the creation of a separate Union Territory with legislative authority is essential to ensuring security, autonomy, and a dignified future for the Kuki-Zo people.
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The KZC further issued a stern warning against any attempt to conduct ADC elections or assign committee members without first addressing their demand for a Union Territory. They stated unequivocally that any such efforts would be met with strong opposition and boycotted by the Kuki-Zo community.
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