The decision to oppose state government decision to organize panchayat elections was taken after a meeting of tribals from different parts of the state. The manch decided to initiate legal battle against state government’s decision to organize panchayat elections by distorting the provisions of Panchayat Extension to Schedule Area Act (PESA).
According to convener of the manch Victor Malto said according to provisions of the Constitution it is responsibility of the government to save the tradition and identity of the tribals.
"As per the provisions of PESA, panchayat elections cannot be organized in Schedule Area. Instead the government should form autonomous council as per the provisions of section 4 (O) of the Act," Malto said.
He said they have already filed a case in the Supreme Court against organization of urban body election demanding immediate dissolution of all civic bodies in urban areas. "Parliament is yet to make any law for urban area in Schedule Area region on lines of PESA which covers rural area. We have demanded that all the notified area committees, municipality and municipal corporations should be dissolved," said Malto adding that they would now contest in the court against the decision to hold panchayat election in Jharkhand.