ATRPFM calls bandh

IMPHAL, Jan 4: Taking strong exception to the alleged inordinate delay in holding ADC election, the All Tribal Rights' Protection Forum Manipur (ATRPFM) has called a 48 hours bandh on Imphal-Jiribam highway and Imphal-Dimapur high-way from 7 pm of January 6 to 7 pm of  January 8.
In a statement issued today, ATRPFM said that the term of office of the ADC Members expired in May 2020.
Pointing out that the notification for election or re-constitution of ADCs should be issued before the expiry of the term, it added that the State Government instead, extended the term till November 30, 2020, without reasonable ground.
Though ATRPFM submitted a representation on December 15, 2020 to the Governor, the Chief Minister, the Chairman of Hill Areas Committee, Minister (TA&Hills), and Additional Chief Secretary (TA&Hills) to issue notification for election or to extend the term of the ADCs, the State Government has not taken any step in the matter, it added.
Saying that ATRPFM has also served an 'ultimatum' on December 24, 2020, with the same demands to issue notification for election on or before January 5, 2021, or to extend the term of the ADCs till the actual conduct of an election, the tribal body said that the State Government continued its 'unconstitutional' act in 'total disregard' of the order of the Court as well as the appeal of the tribal people.
No vehicular movement would be allowed during the bandh hours, it said and appealed to all the public transporters and private vehicles to cooperate with the proposed bandh.
The tribal body further appealed to CSOs and individuals of hill areas to extend cooperation for the common interests of the tribal communities. Any damages or eventualities shall be the sole responsibilities of the violators concerned. However, essential services like media, medical emergencies, fire service, water supply etc. will be exempted, ATRPFM said.