IT News
Imphal, Aug 21:
Civil body the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) today warn passing of the newly amended Manipur (Hill Area) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021, which the Hill Area Committee (HAC) of the Manipur Legislative Assembly had recommended for passing to the ongoing state Assembly session.
“The content of the amended Bill recommended by the HAC is the long-standing demand of the Naga Rebel group as well as the Kuki Rebel group currently ensuing Suspension of Operation (SoO) with the government to segregates the state into various part on ethnic line”, Khuraijam Athouba, Secretary of IPSA told media persons at its office complex at Keishampat today. The provisions for the formation of the Naga Autonomous Territorial Council which the NSCN-IM has been demanding from the Government of India which is ensuing political dialogue is reflected in toto in the amended ADC Bill. Moreover, the provision for Kuki Territorial Council demanded by the Kuki rebel group currently on suspension of Operation with the government has also been stated in the amended Bill.
These contents and sailent features as mention in the amended Bill that the HAC is remanding for passing in the ongoing state Assembly session seem well plant as the election is knocking at the door. The so-called member of the Legislative Assembly besides knowing the sensitivity of such recommendation is playing its politics instead of placing in public domain to discuss with all stakeholders.
Athouba warns of serious consequences if the Bill is discussed and passed. “We urged the legislatures to not even discuss the Bill in the house forget about passing it”, the IPSA secretary said.
On the other hand Athouba also categorically stated the shrewd game of some vested interested persons attempting to introduce the 6th Scheduled of the Indian Constitution without actually naming it.
“The nine-point silent features in the Bill as provided in the 3rd Para page 4 is a direct replica of the content of the 6th Scheduled provision which the people of the state has been opposing”, Athouba said.
Moreover, the recommended Bill by the HAC is communal and ethnocentric and is intended to divide the various ethnic people of the state.
He added that the Bill is a direct humiliation and challenge to the dream of Neta Irabot, Major Bob kathing, MK Priyobar etc. who had always fight for the cause of unity of the state.
The IPSA demanded the Bill be made public and discussed with all stakeholders before discussing in the state Assembly.
