Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 20 2010:
The Federation of All Tribal Youth Clubs, Manipur (FATYCM) has strongly condemned the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act 2008 as well as the discriminatory act of the State Government which allegedly has been subjugating the constitutional rights of Manipuri tribals by keeping at bay Manipur District Council elections for more than two decades.
A press release issued by FATYCM remarked that the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act 2008 (third amendment) was an insult and a tactfully designed device of discriminating Manipur tribals to avoid the tribals' participation in local self government.
Saying that the Manipuri tribals have been boycotting the MDC elections since 1987 under the principle 'no 6th Schedule, no elections', it asserted that the third amendment has further weakened the autonomy of District Councils.
It urged the Government to review and repeal the alleged defective Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act 2008 at the earliest.
It also conveyed support to the ongoing agitation against the Act.