Kuki Inpi Manipur Opposes HAC Resolution on Formation of Temporary Administrative Committees

The Kuki Inpi Manipur has strongly opposed a recent resolution adopted by the H ill Areas Committee (HAC) , terming it “unprecedented, untenable, and legally impermissible” in the context of governance of the hill districts. In a statement issued from its secretariat, the organisation objected to the HAC resolution dated March 12, 2026, which proposes the formation of temporary Administrative Committees in each hill district. These committees are to consist of 24 members drawn from former Autonomous District Council (ADC) members, experts in local self-governance, eminent persons, and intellectuals, along with two government nominees. Kuki Inpi Manipur categorically rejected the proposal, arguing that such a mechanism finds no mention in the existing legal framework governing the Autonomous District Councils. The body stated that the original Act does not provide for the constitution of Administrative Committees through selection, making the proposal a “clear deviation” from established statutory provisions. “The resolution lacks any legal foundation and amounts to an arbitrary administrative experiment,” the statement said, adding that it undermines the constitutional safeguards meant to protect tribal autonomy in the hill areas. The organisation also highlighted the long-standing demand of tribal communities for meaningful amendments to the ADC Act to empower local councils in line with Article 371C of the Constitution of India. It criticised the Manipur Government for failing to act on these demands, citing the stalled ADC Bill, 2021, as evidence of continued inaction. According to the statement, the lack of substantive powers has rendered the ADCs ineffective, prompting tribal organisations in the past to even oppose the conduct of council elections. Reiterating its position, Kuki Inpi Manipur warned that any arrangement bypassing statutory provisions or introducing ad hoc mechanisms without legal sanction would be unacceptable. It asserted that the rights and political aspirations of tribal communities cannot be compromised through what it described as “superficial administrative interventions.” The organisation further reaffirmed its long-standing demand for a Union Territory with a Legislature under Article 239A of the Constitution of India, calling it “steadfast, unequivocal, and non-negotiable.” “At this critical juncture, we will not be distracted by diversionary tactics. Our pursuit of genuine political empowerment and structural justice remains paramount,” the statement added. The statement was issued by Janghaolun Haokip, Secretary of Information and Publicity, Kuki Inpi Manipur.