Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Tamenglong: A significant Legal Awareness Conclave was held today at Achievers Stadium, Model Village in Tamenglong, organized by The Cham, a Rongmei vernacular daily newspaper published from Tamenglong and sponsored by the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST). The event aimed to enhance legal literacy among local communities, particularly focusing on the rights and responsibilities of village authorities in the hill areas of Manipur.
The conclave was graced by esteemed guests, including Thuigai Mathieu Rongmei, Chairperson of MSCST; Chunglenmang Kipgen, MCS, ADM Tamenglong; Sankhil Shetlengam, Member of MSCST; and D. Meidinbui, MCS, SDO Tamenglong. Their presence underscored the importance of legal awareness in fostering community development and empowerment.
A diverse group of resource persons shared their expertise on various legal topics relevant to the region. Advocate Daniel Ramsan, Chairman of the Investigation Team at MSCST, delivered an insightful presentation on the “Manipur (Village Authorities in Hill Areas Act, 1956),” emphasizing the roles and functions of village authorities in governance. Advocate Chingkhiugong Gonmei, President of the District Bar Association Tamenglong, highlighted the significance of legal frameworks in protecting indigenous rights.
Advocate Daniel P. Kamsuan, Vice President of the District Bar Association, addressed the provisions under Article 371(C) of the Indian Constitution, shedding light on special provisions for the state of Manipur and their implications for the local populace. Dr. Makhou Gangmei, Assistant Professor at Tamenglong College, presented on “The Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Act, 1971,” discussing its relevance in the context of local governance.
The conclave was moderated by Anthony Gangmei, District Information Officer of DIPR Tamenglong, who facilitated engaging discussions among participants. The event attracted a wide audience, including Village Authority Chairmen, secretaries, and youth leaders from surrounding villages, all eager to learn about their legal rights and responsibilities.
The Legal Awareness Conclave is part of a broader initiative to empower local communities in Tamenglong and surrounding areas, fostering a better understanding of legal frameworks and encouraging active participation in governance. The organizers expressed gratitude to all participants and speakers for making the event a success and reiterated their commitment to continuing such initiatives in the future.
