IMPHAL, Oct 21: The Manipur Naga Youth Organisation (MNYO) has expressed its grave concern on Monday over the “recent actions” of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) regarding resolution no. 59/2024, passed on October 14, 2024, under the leadership of Dinganglung Gangmei, Chairman of the HAC.
The MNYO said it “strongly opposes this unconstitutional order and resolution which is in violation of democratic norms”. The resolution no. 59/2024 was passed in response to the cancellation of the caretaker chairmanships of the autonomous district councils (ADCs) under order no. TA501/1/2022 e-TA&H, issued by the Government of Manipur, it stated.
This resolution proposes the creation of temporary committees for each ADC, comprising 20 members—18 of whom would be selected from former ADC members, local governance experts, and prominent intellectuals, along with 2 nominees from the Government of Manipur, the MNYO mentioned. These committees are expected to function until the next ADC elections, it added.
The MNYO said it “fervently believes” that invoking Article 371C of the Indian Constitution to justify such actions is problematic and undermines the foundations of democracy.
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The formation of temporary committees without adequate consultation or representation is undemocratic and compromises grassroots governance, the Naga youth body also said, “We fear that this decision, influenced by vested interests, could set a harmful precedent for the governance of hill areas in Manipur. While the MNYO refrains from commenting on the timing of the next ADC elections, we firmly oppose the undemocratic approach taken by the HAC,” it asserted.
The MNYO then said it “sees this resolution as a direct affront to grassroots democracy in Manipur, and if not addressed, it could erode the democratic framework of the nation”.
Therefore, the MNYO “respectfully” urged the Governor of Manipur, as the custodian of Article 371C, along with the state authorities, to take immediate steps to reverse these unconstitutional measures.
“We call for swift intervention to ensure the preservation of grassroots democracy and to prevent further actions that may harm the rights of the people of Manipur. We have full faith in your leadership and your commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting the democratic rights of all the citizens of India,” it added. (NNN)
