The issue of autonomous council is once again back in the public forum. On Tuesday, the Tirap Changlang Longding People’s Forum (TCLPF) organised public rallies in the headquarters of Tirap, Changlang and Longding (TCL) districts, demanding that the three districts be brought together as an autonomous council. The rallies witnessed active participation of the public. The demand for autonomous councils from TCL districts and the Monpa region is not a new thing. Every now and then the demand crops up. Successive state governments have till now avoided taking any concrete steps towards the demand for autonomous councils.
It is a very sensitive subject in the state. Some pressure groups and NGOs had earlier opposed the creation of an autonomous council, fearing that it may open a Pandora’s Box for more such demands. They also were of the opinion that this may create division among the people of the state. There is already a department of Tirap, Changlang and Longding, popularly known as DoTCL, to cater to the needs of the development of these three districts. Till the government takes a decision regarding autonomous councils, the DoTCL should be strengthened, so that three districts get proper attention. There is no doubt that the TCL region needs special attention. It is the most backward region and has suffered from years of Naga insurgency. The state government should be sympathetic towards the concern of the TCL people and take steps to address them with a human touch.