DDC-NE slams Centre over ‘delimitation’ issue in 4 NE states

The Delimitation Demand Committee for the NE States on Tuesday asked the Central government why it has not conducted the delimitation excercise of Assembly and Parliamentary constituencies in the four North Eastern states–Assam, Arunachal Pradesh Nagaland and Manipur.
Accusing the government of being ‘lethargic’ over the matter, DDC-NE convenor Habung Payeng, while addressing a press conference here informed that they had filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Supreme Court and the apex court fixed September 9 for next hearing.
“We have submitted representations to Election Commission, Prime Minister , Union Home Minister and Law Minister in this regard. But, we did not get any response. Later, we approached the SC and the Apex Court fixed September 9 for next hearing,” he said.
Attacking the government over delay citing law and order problem, Payeng said, “It is a constitutional obligation of the government to conduct delimitation exercise. If any government says there is law and order problem, then it has no right to remain in power.”
He asked if elections can be conducted then why not delimitation.
Echoing a similar sentiment, his colleague, WL Hangshing said , “We only want fair and equal representation through delimitation. We are asking carry out the delimitation excercise.”
Meanwhile, North East Students ‘ Forum on Delimitation, demanded that the delimitation be conducted at the earliest.
One of its member, Samuel Lalrochan Khobung informed that they will stage a sit in at the Jantar Mantar on August 12 to press into their demand .