Zomi Council (ZC) calls for solution to tribal problems
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

Lamka, July 23 2011: Holding that tribal communities in the State shared a common the sense of neglect, discrimination, and the desperation for a separate political arrangement, Zomi Council (ZC) today called for an urgent solution to the the problems besieging the tribal populace of the State.

'Although there may be difference of opinion over the model for a political solution and its approach towards the goal, the tribal grievance in Manipur which has recently led to the demand for Alternative Political Arrangement, Kuki State or an Autonomous State within Manipur is not without any reason or justification.

Their grievances got compounded over the years and are pushed to a situation where they are left with no choice but to demand for justice, a dignified place in the sun of the great Indian Nation,' a Council statement issued by its Information & Publicity Department said.

The statement also asserted that the voices of dissent from the Hills call for immediate attention of the Government.

Yet, what we observe today as the possible response of the Government seems to be symptomatic without attending to core issue.

The much acclaimed re-instating of Autonomous District Council in Manipur and its attempt to devolve maximum power appears to be a failure even before it actually takes off, because most of the ADCs are unable to function at their own area for obvious reasons, it added.

The fact that they continue to function from Imphal is a betrayal of effective local-self Government in Tribal areas of Manipur and a mockery of Indian democracy, rather than an achievement, contended the Council.

According to the Zomi Council, communal approaches to the issue and adopting undemocratic methods to air tribal grievances are never the choice at this juncture.

The tribal struggle should not be directed against any community but against the political system, which it describes as the inadequate political arrangement of the State.

'The time has come for every sensible citizen of the State to retrospect and learn lesson from past mistakes and begin to seriously engage in the process of peaceful solution to the tribal problems.

The genuine grievances of 90% area of the State can never be simply ignored if we dream of a shinning Manipur.

It is in the light of this observation that the Zomi Council have demanded for, "Creation of an Autonomous Tribal State or an Autonomous State within Manipur by extending the provision of Art.244A of the Indian Constitution" whereby there will be two Assembly-Hill Assembly and Valley Assemblyin the State.

Such political re-arrangement is bound to fasten the pace of progress for achieving equitable development, strengthen integrity of the State and ushered durable peace and security in this part of the country.

The proposition is found to be constitutionally valid and legally justified on all count, and denial of even such arrangement within the State could be counterproductive for the people of the State,' stated the statement.

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