Manipuri bodies demand reconstitution of MDC

Special correspondent

SILCHAR, Feb 4: In a representation sent by fax on Wednesday to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Assam, based here, signed by Th Benubabu Singha, president of the Parishad, it has been impressed upon him not to accord his consent to the extension of Manipuri Development Council. Th Benubabu Singha has rather pleaded for reconstitution of the body for the smooth functioning of the Council, maintaining accountability and transparency, and to work for the overall development of the community.

 A copy of this representation has been forwarded to Gautam Roy, minister of social welfare, Ajit Singh, minister of transport, , Bismita Gogoi, minister of Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Community, and Anjan Dutta, president of Assam Pradesh Congress Committee. Along with Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, All Assam Manipuri Students’ Union (AAMSU) and Manipuri Diaspora as well as Assam Meira Paibi Apunba Lup have also demanded reconstitution of the existing body of Manipuri Development Council.

 The term of Manipuri Development Council is nearing completion. According to a source, having come to know that the term is to expire and a new body will be formed, candidates for chairmanship have started lobbying. MLAs and ministers of the Manipuri domited areas have started projecting their candidates. They are not happy with the performance of the existing chairman, alleged Manipuri Diaspora. But, the present chairman of the council, according to Manipuri Diaspora, is desperately trying to continue as chairman of the Council.

 Manipuri Diaspora has further alleged that due to the patroge of self-styled organization called United Manipuri Association, Assam (UMMA), of the existing body, the entire Manipuri community is deprived of the benefits of the Council. turally, there is resentment in Manipuri society against the activities of the Council. Moreover, as there is no sign of any development, the need is for reconstitution. L Tejomani Singha, president of Manipuri Diaspora, expressed his apprehension that there is a move to extend the existing body which does not bid well.

 N ndamohan Singha, president of Manipuri Diaspora Youth Front, has said all the candidates aspiring for the post of chairman and as members of the new body should come together first for notifying reconstitution of a new body of the Council.

A Lili Devi, president of Assam Meira Paibi Apunba Lup (AMPAL), and Seram Herajit Singha, president of All Assam Manipuri Students’ Union (AAMSU), in a joint statement issued have also opposed extension of the term and reconstitution of a new body with immediate effect.

But, it could be achieved after a long sustaining struggle which spread over 20 years. All sensible persons in the Manipuri community want end of squabbling and wrangling over the formation of a new body. According to them, everything should be decided by all the Manipuri bodies by adopting consensus opinions and views for a new Council in a democratic and constitutiol manner.