The Manipur Hill Areas Committee (HAC) held a meeting on Friday, bringing together members through both physical and online participation.
HAC Chairman Dinganglung Gangmei described the meeting as a welcome development after a long gap, saying members engaged in what he termed a “meaningful and threadbare discussion” focused on the interests of the hill areas.
According to the chairman, the meeting involved constructive dialogue and deliberation among the members. He thanked those who participated both physically and online.
Those present included Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho and MLAs Khashim Vashum, Leishiyo Keishing, Kumo Sha, Haokholet Kipgen, Ngursanglur Sanate, Chinlunthang, Letzamang Haokip, Letpao Haokip, LM Khaute, Janghemlung Panmei, Ram Muivah and Paolienlal Haokip.
According to sources, the agenda included a proposal to revive the six Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) through an ordinance.
However, Saikot MLA Paolienlal Haokip and Tipaimukh MLA Ngursanglur Sanate reportedly opposed a proposal to revive only the six ADCs. They reportedly maintained that if the councils are revived, the move should cover all 10 ADCs.
It is learnt that Haokip also referred to an HAC resolution from 2022, under which elections were not to be held until the committee’s recommendations for amendments to the Act to provide greater powers to the ADCs were accepted and delimitation was completed for all 10 ADCs.
A source said the discussions during the meeting centred on matters concerning the Hill Areas Committee.
