Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 14 2009:
There are two conflicting tribal organisations at the loggerheads on the issue of the elections to the Autonomous District Council (ADC) in Manipur hills.
Contradicting to the allegation made by the Manipur Hill Areas Autonomous District District Councils MDCs/Ex-MDCs Association (MHAADCA) in certain sections of the media today that Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) is an organization constituted by some vested interest people and that the bandh called by IDF on July 17 has nothing to do with the autonomous district council elections, H.Mangchinkhup, spokesperson of IDF affirmed today that the bandh will commence as scheduled and sought the unflinching support of the people to join in the move of decentralization of power to enhance grass root democracy in Manipur.
Speaking to Newmai News Network (NNN) today, the IDF spokesperson reiterated that the state government needs to be more sincere and pointed out that juggling of words will only entangle the issue and lead to nowhere.
Corollary process like delimitation of segments and other technicalities should not become political impediments in the present case because the issue is a need-based and any attempt to delay the autonomous district council elections will 'kick up many unwanted social dust', the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson pointed out that MHAADCA is basically an organization of people who were members of district councils and so it is not appropriate to represent the mandate of the people.
The MHAADCA's interest was and is "pension for the ex-councillors", IDF stated.
"Instead of throwing mud on each other as we have been doing for the past 20 years or so, we invite one and all to join the move of decentralization of power in Manipur", appealed the IDF.