IDF launches stir to demand ADC polls

Ukhrul, July 10 2009: Reiterating its demand to decentralize power to the hill districts of Manipur and to hold early election to the Autonomous District Councils, the Indigenous Democratic Front (IDF) launched the mass black badge campaign today.

The black badge campaign began at 11 am from Ukhrul district Hqs, actively participated by IDF volunteers, and soon spread to all the nooks and corner of the district.

IDF volunteers launching the black badge stir and putting up posters at Ukhrul demanding early polls to the ADCs

Interacting with the The Sangai Express, the spokesperson of IDF, William S Shimray, Ukhrul unit, said that the mass black badge campaign has been simultaneously taken up in all the five (5) hill districts of Manipur, as the first phase of the agitation.

The IDF will continue with their campaign for early elections to the ADCs, till the demands of the indigenous hill people are met to enhance grass root democracy in the State, he added.

Charging the State Government of dragging its feet on the issue, William said that various representations had been submitted, highlighting the heterogeneous nature of the State and society.

Despite this, the SPF Government continues to ignore the rights of the hill people, he asserted.

Maintaining, that the election of the ADC has not been held for the last 20 years, the IDF spokesperson said that the present Government had, last year, promised that it would be held soon.

Shimray further stated that the IDF's demand is purely to evolve a democratic system of self governance, based on indigenous democracy, which is best suited for the indigenous people of Manipur.

Along with the black badge campaign, posters were also displayed on the roads and streets of the town, inscribed with slogans such as; "Give us back what is Constitutionally ours," "It is a shame that Manipur Government cannot breathe life to ADC in the hills since the past 20 years," "Devolve power to the grass root," "We want local self governance," etc.

The IDF also warned that it would take up a series of agitations in all the hill districts of Manipur until the demands of the indigenous people of Manipur are met sincerely.