TSA stays away from eco blockade, issues helpline for assistance; over 200 trucks stranded
Talks with ATSUM stretch on for hours with no solution in sight
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal/Kangpokpi, August 07 2022:
Even as the blockade imposed by ATSUM was on in full swing on all the National Highways, representatives of the student body honoured an invitation from the Government to hold a talk today evening.
The talk went on with no sign that it was anywhere near a solution till about 9.20 pm today.
The talk started at about 5 pm.
The talk was held at the residence of Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister Letpao Haokip.
The ATSUM side was led by its vice president Vanlallien Khaute with at least 20 members from the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur and Kuki Students' Organisation, general headquarters attending.
The meeting explored all possible avenues to come to a workable solution, but till the time of filing this report, no breakthrough could be arrived at.
Other than Letpao Haokip, the Government side was represented by HAC Chairman and MLA of Nungba AC Dipu Gangmei, MLA from Churachandpur AC LM Khaute, MLA from Tamenglong AC Janghemlung Pamei, Ukhrul AC MLA Ram Muivah, Henglep AC MLA Letzamang Haokip, Saikot AC MLA Paolienlal Haokip and Karong AC MLA J Kumo Sha.
On the other hand, almost 200 vehicles mostly trucks ferrying various essential commodities and construction materials were seen stranded again along the National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) road till this afternoon as the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur continued its economic blockade which began on August 5.On the other hand, the Thadou Students' Association, Sadar Hills has clarified that that they are not a part of the ATSUM sponsored economic blockade and ' assured safety measures within Kangpokpi district and advised all to refrain from any types of unlawful activities along National Highway-2.TSA also provided a helpline No 7005443525 in case of any emergency.
The student body also appealed to the valley people not to disturb/block/attack any Thadou brethren passing through their area more particularly along the Imphal-Dimapur road.
Earlier, security forces including Kangpokpi police had safely escorted more than a hundred stranded vehicles at midnight on August 5.However, many more vehicles mostly trucks ferrying various essential commodities and construction materials were seen stranded again along the Imphal-Dimapur road from T Khullen village to Mayangkhang Ningthoupham in Kangpokpi district today.
One of the stranded drivers at Mayangkhang Ningthoupham told the media "some of us here have been stranded for two days and some for a day.
"If we remain stranded longer we will be facing lots of difficulties," he added.
The ATSUM began its economic blockade right after its extended total shutdown from 6 am on August 5 asserting that the economic blockade will continue till their demands are met.
The tribal student body agitation is endorsed and supported by various tribal bodies in the hill districts.
Meanwhile, ATSUM has called an emergency consultative meeting of all tribal civil society organizations leaders and on August 8 at Senapati district headquarters.
According to the student body, the meeting has been convened in consonance with the meeting of its executives and senior leaders, ANSAM and KSO-GHQ regarding Manipur (Hill Areas) ADC Bill imbroglio.
Ahead of the ATSUM's proposed emergency consultative meeting, the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) Chairman, Dinganglung Gangmei, IAS Retd, has invited the ATSUM for discussion to resolve the current issues regarding Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Bills today at 11 am at the residence of TA & Hills Minister, Letpao Haokip.
The meeting was underway till the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, the branch in-charge of TSA Sadar Hills has appealed to the valley people not to disturb/block/attack any Thadou brethren passing through their area more particularly along the Imphal-Dimapur road.
TSA clarified that the Thadous are not a part of ATSUM's bandh and economic blockade.
It also ensured every safety measure within Kangpokpi district and advised all to refrain from any types of unlawful activities along National Highway-2 .
It also provided TSA helpline No 7005443525 in case of any emergency.