Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, Oct 23:
In a strongly worded condemnation, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), the apex body representing the Tangkhul community, has disowned the recent recommendation by the Hill Area Committee (HAC), expressing profound disappointment and concern over its implications. The TNL, led by its President Qr. Sword Vashum, held a press conference on Wednesday at the TNL President’s Chamber in Viewland, Ukhrul, to address the controversial recommendation and the broader implications for the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and the Naga Free Movement Region (FMR).
The controversy stems from Resolution No. 59/2024-(HAC) and Memo No. 4/29/2022-27-LA(HAC), issued on October 14, 2024, under the signatory of Shri Dinganglung Gangmei, Chairman of the HAC. The resolution follows the Gauhati High Court’s recent ruling to nullify the caretaker chairmanship system of the ADCs in Manipur. In response to this ruling, the HAC recommended to the Government of Manipur the establishment of temporary administrative arrangements for the ADCs.
The Unconstitutional Recommendation:
The HAC’s recommendation calls for the formation of a 20-member committee to manage the ADCs in the Hill Areas until elections are held. This committee would consist of 18 members selected from former ADC members, local self-government experts, or other eminent persons, along with two government nominees from the respective districts. The recommendation, however, has been met with fierce opposition from the TNL.
Qr. Sword Vashum, speaking on behalf of the TNL, condemned the HAC’s proposal as unconstitutional and arbitrary. He asserted that the recommendation flagrantly disregards established legal frameworks and governance rules. “This is a clear attempt to bypass the democratic process and impose an undemocratic system of governance on the Hill Areas,” Vashum stated. He further alleged that the Government of Manipur’s cabinet decision on June 13, 2024, which underpins the HAC’s recommendation, lacked fairness, transparency, and accountability.
Vashum questioned the legal basis of the HAC’s proposal, asking, “On what grounds does the HAC propose to appoint an entire ADC through nomination rather than through a democratic election?” The TNL contends that this recommendation undermines the spirit of democracy and violates the constitutional provisions that protect the autonomy and rights of the Hill Areas.
A Failure of Leadership:
The TNL expressed further dismay over the role of Naga Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and a Minister, who, according to the TNL, have recklessly supported the ill-conceived cabinet decision and the subsequent HAC resolution. The association accused these leaders of violating the constitutional provisions they are sworn to uphold and neglecting their responsibility to safeguard the democratic rights of the people.
“The support of these elected representatives for an unconstitutional resolution is deeply troubling,” Vashum said. “It represents a betrayal of the very people they are supposed to represent, and it erodes the trust that the community has placed in them.”
TNL’s Call for Intervention:
In light of these developments, the TNL has issued an urgent call to the Governor of Manipur to intervene in the matter. As the custodian of constitutional provisions, the Governor holds special powers to address issues that affect the integrity of governance in the state. The TNL insists that the unconstitutional HAC resolution must be set aside to restore public confidence in the rule of law.
While the TNL strongly supports the timely conduct of ADC elections, it categorically opposes any selection or appointment of ADC members through nomination. Vashum emphasized that such actions would not only violate democratic norms but also constitute a grave injustice to the people of the Hill Areas. “We urge the Governor to exercise their powers and ensure that this recommendation is dismissed, in the interest of justice, fairness, and adherence to constitutional principles,” Vashum remarked.
No Border Fencing in Naga Free Movement Region:
In addition to rejecting the HAC recommendation, the TNL took a firm stand against the proposed border fencing in the Naga Free Movement Region (FMR). The Naga FMR, which historically allows for the free movement of Naga people across borders without restrictions, is a deeply significant area for the Naga community. Any attempt to erect border fences in this region would be viewed as an infringement on the rights and freedoms of the Naga people, the TNL asserted.
“We will not allow any border fencing in the Naga FMR,” Vashum declared, underscoring the community’s commitment to protecting their ancestral lands and movement rights. The TNL called on the Government of India and the Government of Manipur to respect the historical agreements and cultural practices that govern the Naga FMR and refrain from implementing any measures that would disrupt the region’s unique status.
Support from Frontal Organizations:
The TNL’s press conference was attended by several key frontal organizations of the Tangkhul community, including the Tangkhul Katamnao Shaklong (TKS), Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL), Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (TMNL), and various Longphangs. These organizations echoed the TNL’s condemnation of the HAC recommendation and voiced their support for the TNL’s stance on the border fencing issue.
A representative from the TKS emphasized the importance of unity in opposing the HAC’s unconstitutional actions. “We must stand together as a community to ensure that our rights are not trampled upon. The Hill Areas belong to the people, and any decision that affects us must be made in consultation with us, through democratic means,” the representative stated.
A Fight for Democratic Rights:
The TNL’s rejection of the HAC recommendation is not merely a political issue; it is a fight for the preservation of democratic rights and governance in the Hill Areas. The ADCs have long been a symbol of local self-governance, and any attempt to undermine their democratic functioning threatens the very fabric of governance in the region.
By disowning the HAC’s recommendation and opposing border fencing in the Naga FMR, the TNL has sent a clear message to the authorities: the people of the Hill Areas will not accept decisions made without their consent or involvement. As the TNL continues to rally support from across the community, it is evident that this issue will remain a significant point of contention in the political landscape of Manipur.