TNL Calls for Fair Representation — 35 Seats for Tribals, 25 for Valley, Budget Bifurcation and Sixth Schedule

The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has called for equitable representation, budget bifurcation, and inclusion of Manipur’s tribal areas under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The demand was made during a one-day consultative meeting on Delimitation, Budget Bifurcation, and Sixth Schedule held at the TNL Office-cum-Multipurpose Complex Hall in Ukhrul.

In a recommendation adopted at the meeting, TNL emphasized that on the principles of equity and justice, the tribals of Manipur should be given proportionate representation in the 60-member Manipur Legislative Assembly. The body proposed that 35 seats be allotted to tribal areas and 25 to the valley, citing population and land distribution patterns—tribals owning 90% of the land and valley inhabitants constituting 10% of land, population wise tribal constitutes 15 lakhs and the valley 17 lakhs.

TNL further asserted that while they are not demanding two separate budgets, the existing state budget should be bifurcated into two components as per Article 371C of the Constitution—one for the valley and another for the hills, with the latter implemented through the Hill Areas Committee. The organization urged the government to put budget bifurcation in place without further delay.

Highlighting the importance of the Sixth Schedule in protecting land, resources, and customary law of tribal communities, TNL stated that its demand is for the socio-economic upliftment of Manipur’s tribals. It clarified that the demand has no connection with the Naga national movement but is aimed at ensuring the same constitutional safeguards enjoyed by tribals in other states.