Imphal: Lhukhosei Zou might lead an interim Administrative Committee for Manipur's Autonomous District Councils. Sources claim he is under consideration for the chairmanship despite his ongoing legal status. He was acquitted in a 2018 drug seizure case on December 17, 2020. However, the state government challenged that verdict. The appeal sits in the High Court of Manipur with a hearing date set for November 3, 2026. This case remains legally active.
Elected terms for the six ADCs expired in 2020. This leaves a massive governance void. Development funds are stalling. The Hill Areas Committee of the Manipur Legislative Assembly seeks to fix this. On October 14, 2024, they recommended a 20-member committee for each district. By March 12, 2026, the HAC pushed for 26 members. This plan includes 24 former members, local experts, and two government picks.
The HAC points to Article 371C of the Constitution as justification for its role. But, questions linger. The Gauhati High Court previously struck down a caretaker appointment in the Ukhrul ADC on March 15, 2024. Officials must now prove their selection process is sound. Critics demand clarity. The government faces pressure to justify its administrative framework and provide a concrete timeline for new elections. As one source noted: "The pendency of the appeal does not establish guilt, and the acquittal remains legally significant unless set aside by a competent court." For now, the appointment of Zou is just political noise without official confirmation.
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