IMPHAL, April 30 � Manipur Tribal Joint Action Committee Against Election Under Unwanted District Council Act-sponsored three-day bandh in the five hill districts began amidst demand to take up alternative form of agitation in the interest of the general public.
The bandh which began from midnight yesterday was called as a mark of the beginning of Black Day opposing the proposed elections in the autonomous district councils (ADC)s in five hill districts since not enough monetary power was given to the district councils.
The striking committee has also asked the tribal MLAs and Ministers to resign from their posts without further delay. There are 20 tribal MLAs in the 60 member Manipur Assembly.
It may be recalled that the State Election Commission had issued the election notification for the first phase elections to three ADCs of Sadar Hills, Chandel and Churachandpur on April 26 and the last date for filing nomination papers was fixed on May 3. As per the notification, elections in the above ADCs would be held on May 26.
All Naga Students Association Manipur has also been imposing an �indefinite economic blockade� on the National Highways passing through the State since the second week of April affecting normal life in the land-locked State.
Meanwhile, All club, organisation, association and Meira Paibi Lup (ACOAM Lup) has strongly opposed frequent imposition of bandhs and blockades on the NH saying blockade enforcers should find alternative means of agitation to achieve their demands.
