KSO sees no point in having toothless District Council

Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 21 2010: The Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) GHQ has affirmed solidarity with other tribal bodies in opposing the proposed election to the Autonomous District Councils, and pledged that it would support any kind of agitation launched by ANSAM and ATSUM regarding the issue.

In a press release issued today, the president of KSO, GHQ, Peter H Mate said that the KSO feels that the proposed ADC elections have far-reaching implications for the indigenous (tribal people) of Manipur.

The KSO questions the logic behind the proposed holding of elections to the Autonomous Councils, which had been discontinued for more than 20 years, with the indigenous (Tribal people) demanding for the 6th Schedule by the district councils in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Tripura which are established under the sixth schedule of the Indian Constitution.The demand for the sixth schedule has not been conceded till date, citing logical reasons as it requires as Amendment of the Constitution, the State Government, irrespective of the party in power, has not really pursued this matter wholeheartedly, the press release stated.

The KSO/GHQb fails to understand the rationale in holding the MDC elections for the hill-Districts of Manipur, without the provisions of the sixth schedule.

What is the logic behind and the motive of SPF Government in holding elections to the Autonomous District Councils of the hill- Districts of Manipur, which are autonomous only in name sake but not in reality, it further said.

President of KSO, GHQ, Peter H Mate asked, "What is the point in having an Autonomous District Council which does not enjoy any judicial and legislative power? An Autonomous District Council in which financial power is limited-where the district councils are not empowered to mobilize sources of income,–an Autonomous District Council comprising elected representatives of the people, who for all practical purposes, are under the Deputy Commissioner of the District, is nothing but a mockery of democracy and shame on the people" .

The KSO/GHQ also expressed apprehension that the ADC issue is being used as an instrument to divide et impera (divide and rule) by the powers that be, to divide the unity of the indigenous people (tribal people) of the state.

The 3rd Amendment Act of Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act 2008 is nothing but ambiguous.

The KSO feels that the existing Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act 1971 and subsequent Amendments have failed to protect and safeguard the interest of the tribals of Maipur, nor does it satisfy the aspirations of the tribal people in the state.

The KSO requests the SPF Government not to muddle through this sensitive issue, but to rather take more time for a wider consultations and dialogue and should strive instead to reach a solution which would be acceptable to all concerned.

In fight for the constitutional and inalienable rights of the indigenous people of the state, the KSO's approach will brook no compromise and will always stand shoulder to shoulder with sister organizations like ANSAM and ATSUM, stated Peter H.Mate President KSO/GHQ in press statement