Former members of the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Manipur have called for the replacement of Letpao Haokip, the minister of Tribal Affairs and Hills, citing his prolonged absence from the state which, they allege, has hindered welfare activities for the hill communities.
Addressing the media at the Manipur Press Club in Imphal, N Wungreiyo, a former ADC member from Ukhrul, suggested that the state government could assign the portfolio to one of the two Naga ministers if recruiting a new minister is not feasible.
He also disputed Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s claims in the Assembly that funds were allocated to ADCs, asserting that no funds have been allocated since the fiscal year 2020-21.
K Langpibou, former ADC member from Tamenglong, also emphasised the urgency of conducting long-pending local body elections, including ADC elections, to uphold the democratic rights of the hill people.
He revealed that despite a cabinet decision, the Hills Area Committee (HAC) has not responded to requests from the Tribal Affairs and Hills Department and the Election Commission regarding ADC elections. The former members demanded that the HAC provide clearance for holding ADC elections during the current Assembly session.
He suggested that if security concerns persist, elections could proceed in ADCs where law and order are manageable, stressing that simultaneous elections for all ADCs are not mandatory.
