Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 19:
Following an understanding with the State Government, the proposed general strike of 12 hours called by ATSUM tomorrow in pursuit of their various demands and economic blockade on National Highways have been called off temporarily.
Speaking to reporters today at its Old Lambulane office, ATSUM Information and Publicity secretary Joseph R Hmar informed that ATSUM executives have been holding talks with the State Government represented by Education Minister L Jayantakumar, Works Minister K Ranjit, YAS Minister N Biren and TD Minister DD Thasii since August 17.The proposed stir has been called off in response to the appeal of the ministerial team to give the State Government a week's time.
Another round of such meeting was held today morning.
Concerning Meetei Mayek, ATSUM accepted the position of the Government as the latter has already signed an MoU with MEELAL not to impose the Mayek through force or coercion.
The move to call off the proposed stir is motivated by the confidence of the student body in the ministerial team that their demands will be fulfilled even as the State Government failed to give a definite commitment, said Joseph while disclosing ATSUM's willingness to give some more time.
Today's meeting between the two sides centred on construction of NIT in hill district, the issue of Meetei Mayek, shortage of teachers in hill districts, forfeiture of PDS items meant for Churachandpur district and publication of a white paper about the quota system followed before Manipur University was converted to a central university.
While disclosing that Churachandpur district has not been receiving PDS items for four months, Joseph insisted on booking the officials and individuals involved in the foul play.
Before MU was upgraded to a central university in 2005, there were only three ST teachers among the total 140 teaching staff and only about 40 ST employees among the total 200 non-teaching staff , said the ATSUM executive.
Saying that ATSUM is aware of non-existence of quota system in the rank of Professors and above, Joseph informed that they have approached the HRD Ministry on the matter and are awaiting a reply.
On the other hand, the State Government, despite its assurance, is unable to produce a white paper on the same matter, he lamented.
Regarding shortage of teachers in hill districts, the Ministers mentioned the problem of fake appointments, contract appointments and the subsequent rationalisation taken up by the previous Governments, Joseph conveyed.