ADCs not safe in hills: HM

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IMPHAL, July 6: Despite improvement of the law and order situation in the state, ADC members has still to stay at Imphal as the situation as the situation in the hills is still not conducive for their personal safety.

The matter was stated by Tribal Affairs and Hills minister Gaikhangam at the House today in reply to a joint motion cut raised by MLA Ibohalbi , L Ibomcha and Th Syamkumar.

MLA Ibomcha charged that the offices of the various government departments are not functional and the public are vastly inconvenienced in addressing their needs. The officers open makeshift offices at their residences and do their administration of the hills from the valley areas.

Stating that this is a drawback in bringing development for the hills, Ibomcha suggested that some time should be spent at their place of posting and to assess the ground reality. He also suggested that ambulances should be kept at the district headquarters for catering to the medical needs and emergencies of the hill people.

The MLA also urged the minister to enact land laws where the valley residents can buy land and settle in the hills.

Adding to the motion, MLA I Ibohalbi also stated that the public face a problem in meeting officers of various departments lodged in the hill districts. He suggested that concerned officials should be given extra allowance to stay at their place of posting. Further, he charged that many schemes meant for the public given under the TD and Hills department is hardly availed by the deserving.

Replying to the cut motion Minister Gaikhangam said that despite certain threats, the ADC elections have been conducted after a lull of twenty years. It was done so in the interest of the hill people.

“The same threats faced by the candidates pre-election are still faced today by the elected ADCs. Till the situation is eased out, the members have to stay at Imphal for their safety”, he added that the situation is not the same for Churachandpur MDCs.

Stating that the functioning from Imphal is done so in the interest of the public, he said that powers have been given to the members and the schemes and infrastructure are provided.

Stating opposition to the MLR & LR Act from certain quarters Ghaikhangam said, “The land has to be utilized, but a survey needs to be done. Due to financial constraints, the department cannot take up the measures yet.”

MLA Ibohalbi cited the Governor’s Speech wherein the law and order of the state is said to be improved while urging that the ADC members should go to their offices or resign if they still feel intimidated.

In the regard, Gaikhangam said that the atmosphere is not favorable for the members to return, but assured that the members will do the needed administration.        

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