Imphal, April 28 2010: The Zeliangrong Youth Front has termed Government of Manipur's move to conduct elections to the six Autonomous District Councils under the existing ADC Act 3rd Amendment as anti-tribal and an attempt to deny the tribal people right to govern themselves.

The connotation of 'Manipur (Hill areas) District Councils' and 'Autonomous District Councils' are self contradictory and confusing to the common people because the word 'Autonomous' does not refer or is applicable in the Act, said the Front's Assam, Manipur & Nagaland's joint secretary Thaingamlung Gangmei in a release issued today.

Alleging that under the existing Act legislative, judiciary and financial powers empowered for the district councils are curtailed and limited, the body observed that the Government's move to hold the poll rather than resolve the issue reflects failure of the State Government to protect rights of the tribal community.

Highlighting that consent of the public should have been taken first before holding the controversial election, the Front also maintained that tribal people needs to be given their rights for governing themselves to ensure expeditious development activities in the hill districts at par with the valley areas.

The demand of the tribal people of Manipur is our genuine rights.

therefor the ZYF has taken a decision not to remain as a silent spectator but fight for justice, Gangmei asserted while pledging its moral and physical support to current agitations being enforced by other organisations.