Manipur Hill Areas Committee holds meeting on Autonomous District Councils

The Manipur Hill Areas Committee (HAC) held a meeting on Friday, with some members attending physically and others participating online.

Hill Areas Committee Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei posted on his social media account that, after a long gap, it was a welcome moment to bring the Hill Areas Committee together on a common platform once again.

He said the meeting saw “a meaningful and threadbare discussion” among the members, marked by constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to the interests of the hill areas.

He described it as a productive and successful sitting that reaffirmed the importance of collective deliberation and cooperation, and thanked all the members who joined the meeting both physically and online.

According to the chairman, those present at the meeting included Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho; Chingai MLA Khashim Vashum; Kamjong MLA Leishiyo Keishing; Karong MLA Kumo Sha; Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen; Tipaimukh MLA Ngursanglur Sanate; Singhat MLA Chinlunthang; Henglep MLA Letzamang Haokip; Tengnoupal MLA Letpao Haokip; Churachandpur MLA LM Khaute; Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Panmei; Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah; and Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip.

According to sources, the agenda of the HAC meeting was to revive the six Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) through an ordinance.

Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip and Tipaimukh MLA Ngursanglur Sanate reportedly opposed the proposal to revive only the six ADCs, saying that if such a move is undertaken, it should cover all 10 ADCs.

It is learnt that Paolienlal Haokip said during the meeting that the HAC had already resolved in 2022 that elections should not be held unless the HAC’s recommendations for amending the Act to give more powers to the ADCs were accepted and delimitation was completed for all 10 ADCs.

A source stated that the meeting centred only on the HAC.