Ukhrul: The District Congress Committee (DCC), Ukhrul, has strongly condemned the resolution passed by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC), challenging the validity and legality of the selection process. The DCC has vowed to fight against what it calls an unconstitutional, undemocratic, and illegal recommendation.
In a press conference held at Ukhrul Headquarters, DCC Ukhrul President Stanhope Kashak, General Secretary Churchill Varu, and the executive members of DCC Ukhrul criticized the decision and recommendation of the HAC, Manipur.
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“In light of the recent resolution adopted by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on 14/10/2024, No. 59/2024-(HAC), under the Chairmanship of Dinganglung Gangmei, the District Congress Committee, Ukhrul, strongly opposes their proposed resolution to form a committee consisting of 20 members for each ADC, 18 of whom would be selected from former ADC members, experts in local self-government, eminent persons, and intellectuals, along with 2 government nominees as a temporary arrangement until the ADC elections are conducted,” stated DCC Ukhrul.
“How can members of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), who have the power to legislate on matters like agriculture, forests, land management, and social customs of the hill areas, be appointed or selected by the government’s choice? The HAC must clarify under which article or section of the Indian Constitution this kind of rapacious shortcut electoral process is permitted. This proposal is a great insult to the hill people, undermining Article 371C of the Indian Constitution and violating the judgment and orders of the Hon’ble Guwahati High Court, which canceled the caretaker chairmanship of the Autonomous District Councils, as per the order dated 15/3/2024, passed in WA No. 353 of 2023. The Government of Manipur canceled this via order No. TA-501/1/2023 e-TA&H.”
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“The hill people of Manipur now understand that the BJP is anti-hill, anti-tribal, and anti-communal harmony, deliberately choosing not to conduct ADC elections for the last four years, thus attempting to destroy grassroots democracy in the hill areas of Manipur.”
“The hill people have been completely denied access to central funds and schemes related to the ADC, Finance Commission grants, and the non-release of MGNREGA for the past four years. This amounts to a denial of rights to the hill people.”
“The Congress party and DCC Ukhrul will not remain silent but will fight tooth and nail if the State Government succumbs to this unconstitutional, undemocratic, and illegal recommendation. The party is ready to take this matter to the Court of Law,” stated DCC Ukhrul.
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