Decentralizations and Ethnic Identities: A Comparative Study of Autonomous District Councils in Manipur and BTC in Assam
Author : KS Luckyson James
Abstract :
This article analyzes the functions of Autonomous District Councils under the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act of 1971 and how far the institution of self-rule accommodates the interests of different ethnic identities in the state. The dissolution of district councils of Manipur in 1988 due to non-devolution of powers, lack of development and subsequent demand for the extension of the Sixth Schedule in the hill areas. After more than twenty years of its suspension, the District Council elections were held in 2010 under the ADC 3rd Amendment Act of 2008 despite strong opposition from the tribals. However, in the aftermath of the sudden eruption of violence between Meitei and Kuki-Zo on 3 May 2023 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' in the hill districts to protest against Meitei's demand for ST status, the political dynamics in the state have rapidly changed. The Kuki-Zo are now demanding the Union Territory with an elected legislative council but the Nagas warned not to disturb their ancestral land while solving Kuki-Zo issues. In this context, the up-gradation of ADCs under the Sixth Schedule in the hill areas of Manipur in line with the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) is one of the viable solutions to fulfill the aspirations of the tribals.
Keywords :
Ethnic identities, self-rule, autonomy, accommodation, constitution, and decentralization
