The Manipur Tribal Youth Council has strongly demanded a complete change in how the hill areas are governed. The youth group, representing various tribal communities, stated that the current system is outdated and lacks real power. They specifically called for replacing the Hill Area Committee (HAC) with a stronger structure under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
During a press meet in Churachandpur on July 20, council members voiced their frustration. They said the present model, in place since 1972, has failed to address the needs of tribal communities.
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Tribal Youth Demand Real Autonomy
The council made it clear that symbolic systems no longer serve tribal interests. They highlighted that while the HAC exists, it cannot legislate or implement policies that directly benefit tribal people. This lack of control over their own land and governance is a key concern.
Lamkang Joseph, a council spokesperson, said, “The Hill Area Committee has remained a body without teeth. We want a system that lets us decide our future.”
He further explained that states like Mizoram and Meghalaya already benefit from Sixth Schedule provisions. In contrast, Manipur’s tribal areas remain stuck under a weak model.
Deep Discontent with Existing Model
The Manipur Tribal Youth Council expressed serious dissatisfaction with how decisions are made in the state. According to them, the state government often imposes laws without consulting tribal bodies. They pointed out issues like land acquisition, forest eviction, and development projects where tribal voices were ignored.
This situation has created a deep sense of alienation among tribal communities. The council believes that only constitutional reform can fix this. They called the 53-year-old structure not just outdated but dangerous for the identity and rights of the indigenous people.
Sixth Schedule as a Solution
The main proposal from the council is to bring Manipur’s hill districts under the Sixth Schedule. This provision allows the creation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) with real legislative and executive powers. These councils can manage land, forests, education, and even traditional laws.
Currently, Manipur does have ADCs, but they lack constitutional protection. The council argues that these bodies are poorly funded and carry little authority. By contrast, Sixth Schedule-backed councils can govern effectively.
Council members believe that this shift is not only practical but also long overdue.
Central Intervention Needed
The council has asked the central government to take immediate steps. They urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to visit the hill areas and see the situation first-hand.
They also called on the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to engage with local leaders. The aim is to build a road map toward implementing the Sixth Schedule. According to the council, the Centre cannot ignore the voices of young tribal citizens any longer.
“Peaceful appeals and memorandums haven’t worked. We now seek structural changes that can secure our rights,” said Joseph.
United Stand by Hill Communities
In a rare show of unity, tribal youth from across the state have joined hands. Delegates from Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, Senapati, and Chandel districts attended the press meet. They agreed that a unified demand would carry more weight at both state and national levels.
The council leaders also urged all tribal organizations to set aside ethnic differences. They believe that only a united tribal movement can bring lasting change.
Their next step includes launching awareness campaigns, media outreach, and legal initiatives. They want every tribal youth to understand why Sixth Schedule status is vital for their future.
Growing Political Awareness
The demand also signals a shift in how tribal youth view governance. In the past, many accepted the status quo. But today’s youth want more than symbolic roles in governance. They seek actual decision-making power in their communities.
This change in mindset has been shaped by years of marginalization. The lack of basic infrastructure in hill areas has made it clear that the current system doesn’t work.
“Real change will come when we govern ourselves, just like our brothers in other northeastern states,” said another youth representative.
The Manipur Tribal Youth Council has put forward a clear and urgent demand. They want the outdated Hill Area Committee system replaced with a more empowered model under the Sixth Schedule. This change, they argue, is the only way to ensure justice, development, and dignity for the hill tribes.
Their united stand and increasing awareness could be a turning point in Manipur’s political landscape. The coming months will show whether the government listens or ignores yet another call from the hills.
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