ATSUM set to impose indefinite blockade
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 21 2015 : The All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has called an indefinite economic blockade on all National Highways leading to Imphal with effect from June 22 midnight.

ATSUM has been already enforcing closure of all higher secondary schools located in the hill districts.

The students' body has also called a complete ban on all National projects.

Speaking to media persons at their Nagaram office today, ATSUM president Muan Tombing said that the Government's failure to give a positive response even after closing down all higher secondary schools since last Monday has compelled them to call the indefinite economic blockade and a complete ban on all National projects.

Oil tankers stranded on the highway during an earlier blockade-File photo

ATSUM is now prepared to enforce the economic blockade along Imphal-Moreh highway, Imphal-Mao highway and Imphal-Jiribam highway.

Moreover, Jiribam-Tupul railway project and all other National projects including those funded by NEC would be banned indefinitely.

ATSUM has no intention to call bandh or blockade but the State Government seems accustomed to addressing people's grievances only after such extreme measures have been employed, Muan Tombing said.

Establishment of a Scheduled Tribe Commission, service regularization of the 268 contract lecturers and 333 ad-hoc teachers posted in hill districts, filling up of backlog posts under ST reservation norms in Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat, bifurcation of Additional Director (Hills) from Education (S) Director and transfer of land records of hill districts from valley districts are some of the major demands raised by ATSUM.

Highlighting these demands, a memorandum was submitted to Chief Minister O Ibobi on April 13 this year.

As there was no response, an ultimatum was served to the Government on June 13 and the ATSUM launched its agitation from June 15, Muan Tombing recounted.

Earlier on October 22 last year, Chief Minister O Ibobi gave his assurance to fulfil these demands and an MoU was signed between ATSUM and the State Government.

ATSUM would carry on different forms of agitation until these demands are translated into action.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Tribal Union general secretary Romeo Bungdon has pledged unstinted support to ATSUM's protest agitation.

Violation of hill people's Constitutional rights by the State Government has disappointed a large section of the people and this has created a seccessionist temperament, Romeo alleged.