The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) on Sunday opposed the BJP-led Manipur government’s decision to constitute “ad hoc committees” to run the strife-hit state’s six autonomous district councils (ADCs).

It opposed the move on the ground that it was a “direct threat to the democratic principles and autonomy of the ADCs” and also “undermines the power vested in the elected representatives”. In a statement issued by the KZC information secretary Khaikhohauh Gangte, the leading CSO said: “The KukiZo Council firmly believes that such a move would erode the very foundation of the ADCs and would go against the spirit of decentralisation and self-governance.”

The KZC, formed this month with representatives from various Kuki-Zo tribes, Inpis, councils to guide and advance the collective interests of the Kuki-Zo people, said the October 14 resolution adopted by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) “is in total contravention of the District Councils Act 1971 & Rules 1972”.