Manipur ADCs Sworn in

Oath administered in Imphal despite threat by Naga groups

ADC members take oath in Imphal on Saturday.

Imphal, Jun 27 : The newly elected members of the six autonomous district councils in the five hill districts of Manipur were sworn in today, setting the ball rolling for the constitution of the councils after 22 years.

The ADC polls were held in Tamenglong, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Senapati, Sadar Hills (in Senapati district) and Chandel districts in two phases on May 26 and June 2.

After the third term of the ADCs expired in 1988, no elections were held for “various reasons” till the Okram Ibobi Singh government held the polls this year despite boycott by Naga organisations led by the United Naga Council (UNC).

All the elected members turned up today for the oath-taking ceremony at the indoor stadium of Khuman Lampak sports complex here, despite threats by the Naga organisations. The candidates were administered oath of office by the respective deputy commissioners.

The UNC and other Naga bodies are refusing to recognise the elections and are demanding that the poll results be nullified. They are of the view that the councils under the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Third Amendment) Act 2008 do not have adequate powers.

“I was asked by those against the elections not to take part in the oath-taking ceremony today. I was warned that I would face dire consequences if I took the oath,” G. Soihem Haomei, an elected Congress member from Tamenglong district, said.

Each autonomous district council has 26 members — 24 elected and two nominated by the government. Each council will have one chairman, one deputy chairman and five members to be chosen by the chairman from among the members.

The ruling Congress swept the polls by winning 106 of the 144 seats. Ruling allies, the CPI, the Trinamul Congress and the NCP, won one seat each. The councils have 25 Independent members.

There were no candidates in 10 seats. The government is yet to take a decision on holding elections to these.

S. Thotsasheng, who was elected from Ukhrul on a Congress ticket, said he would try to amend the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Third Amendment) Act to suit the interests of the hill people. The members are confident that despite threats and intimidation, the councils can function properly.

Welcoming the ADC members, chief minister Ibobi Singh assured them that adequate powers and funds would be given to the councils.

“A high power committee headed by the chief secretary (D.S. Poonia) is examining the powers and functions of the councils. The government is also examining the models of councils in the northeastern states. After taking a decision on the powers and functions, the government will refer the matter to the hill areas committee of the Assembly for approval,” Ibobi Singh added.