IT News
Imphal, Oct 21:
The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM), General Headquarters, has voiced strong opposition to the recent resolution passed by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) regarding the conduct of elections for the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). The TYCM, which represents and advocates for the interests of all Scheduled Tribes in Manipur, expressed concern over the implications of HAC’s Resolution No. 59/2024-(HAC), issued on October 14, 2024. This resolution recommended the urgent organization of ADC elections and proposed the creation of interim committees to manage the councils until elections are held.
A statement by the TYCM said that the Hill Areas Committee, a statutory body established under Article 371C of the Indian Constitution, is tasked with safeguarding the interests of tribal populations in Manipur’s hill areas. Following a detailed discussion, the Committee had unanimously resolved to recommend that the Government of Manipur proceed with the long-delayed ADC elections. In the meantime, they proposed forming a temporary committee of 20 members to manage each ADC, consisting of 18 former ADC members, experts in local self-government, and two government nominees, until the elections are conducted. This proposal followed the cancellation of the Caretaker Chairmanship system, as per a previous order from the Government of Manipur in compliance with the Gauhati High Court’s judgment on March 15, 2024.
However, TYCM argued that this move directly contradicts the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act of 1971, which does not provide for the formation of interim committees to govern the ADCs. The Council described the proposed measure as extra-legal and a violation of democratic principles, warning that it could lead to confusion and erode trust in local self-government among tribal communities. TYCM further pointed out that the Gauhati High Court had already deemed the appointment of Caretaker Chairmanship unconstitutional, raising further concerns about the legitimacy of any temporary governance arrangements.
TYCM strongly condemned the resolution, calling it illogical and unconstitutional, and emphasized that it undermines the spirit of the 1971 Act, which was designed to ensure proper representation for the hill tribes in local governance. According to the Council, the HAC’s decision risks misleading the tribal population and introducing unnecessary complications into the governance of the hill areas.
In its statement, TYCM firmly opposed the resolution and urged the Government of Manipur to reject it, warning that it would be detrimental to the welfare of tribal communities and inconsistent with legal frameworks. The Council also declared its readiness to challenge the resolution in court if the government attempts to proceed with its implementation. TYCM reiterated its commitment to protecting the democratic rights of the tribal communities in Manipur.
