HAC takes recommended ADC Bill to people

Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, Nov 3: The tribal MLAs irrespective of their political parties affiliation have done their job and their part by persistently pressuring the Government to adopt the HAC recommended Manipur Hill Areas ADC Bill-2021, and now it has became a people's movement to demand ‘our legitimate rights enshrined in the Constitution of India,’ said Alfred Arthur Kanngam, MLA 44 (ST) Ukhrul Assembly Constituency.
Alfred Arthur Kanngam who is also the chairman of Sub-committee HAC made the statement during a one day 'Public consultative meeting on Hill Areas Committee (HAC) recommended Manipur (Hill Areas) ADC 2021' at Town Hall Phungreitang, Ukhrul.
The MLA also enlightened the merits of the ADC Bill 2021 and stated that the amendment Bill 2021 would safeguard the rights of the hill peoples of Manipur.
He stated that the aspiration of the tribal community of Manipur can be achieved only when there is 'Unity and spirituality'.
"I represent my people and I will never betray my people, and the recommended ADC Bill 2021 will correct the system and will bring momentous development in the long run", he added.
The MLA also mentioned that it is time to raise a collective voice to fulfil the aspirations of the people and must not compromise with promises of economic packages that may benefit few individuals.
HAC Chairman, Leishiyo Keishing alleged that the present BJP led Government is not trustworthy and is only providing lip service to the people while adding that there is nothing in the Bill about Manipur dis-integration.
MLA TN Haokip mentioned that the tribal MLAs have unanimously resolved to adopt ADC Bill- 2021 as recommended by HAC.
"The recommended ADC Bill has been amended with new concepts and ideas on how to overcome the issues of hill people of the State", he added.
Paotingthang Haokip president of ATSUM stated that the student body would extend their utmost support to the tribal MLAs until the legitimate rights guaranteed under Article 371(C) is fully protected.
Later, an interaction programme was also held with the MLAs.
The one day public consultative programme was attended by ex-ADC members, social organization leaders, student leaders, headmen, chairmen, NGOs, well wishers and youths.