The Naga People’s Front-Manipur State Unit (NPF-MSU) has called for immediate elections to the Autonomous District Council (ADC) in Manipur’s hill districts. This demand stems from the prolonged delay of ADC elections, which NPF-MSU asserts has hampered local self-governance since 1972.
The NPF-MSU, through a press release by General Secretary Honreikhu Kashung, stressed the constitutional significance of the ADC elections. He highlighted that the creation of Manipur as a state in 1972 came with provisions under Article 371(C) and the Manipur Hills Areas Autonomous District Council Act of 1971. These provisions were intended to promote democracy at the grassroots level in hill areas, ensuring that local governance structures were in place to address the specific needs and aspirations of the region’s inhabitants.
The ADC elections, originally scheduled for May or June 2020, were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This delay was necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. However, the NPF-MSU pointed out that subsequent state-level elections, such as the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly elections in early 2022 and the 18th Lok Sabha elections in 2024, were conducted successfully. This indicates that conditions have since improved, and similar measures can be taken to ensure the safe conduct of the ADC elections.
During its state Office Bearers meeting, the NPF-MSU emphasized the urgency of holding the ADC elections without further delay. The party welcomed the State Cabinet’s recent decision to conduct elections for the ADC, Panchayat, and Municipalities in September 2024. However, the NPF-MSU insisted on the importance of adhering strictly to this schedule to restore the constitutional rights of the hill districts.
The NPF-MSU warned that continued postponement of the ADC elections would be seen as neglecting constitutional provisions critical for the development and governance of Manipur’s hill areas. The party reiterated its commitment to working with the state government to ensure that the elections are conducted on time, thereby reestablishing effective local governance and addressing the developmental needs of the hill districts.
The call by NPF-MSU for immediate ADC elections underscores the necessity of upholding democratic processes and constitutional mandates in Manipur’s hill districts. With the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic now under control, the successful execution of other state and national elections serves as a precedent for safely conducting the ADC elections. Ensuring timely elections will not only restore local self-governance but also reinforce the commitment to the development and empowerment of the region’s inhabitants.
