ATSUM vows to continue agitation
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, November 23 2021:
The All Tribal Students' Union of Manipur (ATSUM) has sought cooperation from all like minded groups in fighting for the rights of the tribal and resolved to go on with its agitation until their demand is entertained.
It may be mentioned that several tribal student bodies such as All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Kuki Students Organization, General Headquarters (KSO-GHQ) under the aegis of ATSUM have imposed indefinite economic blockade along the National Highway in Manipur since the midnight of November 21, demanding the Government to table and discuss the new Bill of Autonomous District Council recommended by the Hill Area Committee at Manipur Legislative Assembly by convening a special session.
The agitating student bodies contended that the recommended Bill focuses on bringing equitable development in the State by empowering the existing ADCs in the hills and it contains no section that would disintegrate the State in any manner.
In this regard, the ATSUM and other tribal student bodies appealed to all to extend support in the movement.
ATSUM general secretary SR Andria said that the State Govt had amended the Manipur (Hill Areas) ADC Act, 1971 from time to time under Manipur (Adaptation of Laws) Order, 1972 after Manipur attained statehood in 1972.Saying that the movement is within the ambit of the Indian Constitution, the student leader urged the State Government to convene a special Assembly session and table the Bill at the earliest.
AC Thotso, ANSAM general secretary stated that the movement aims to bring social and economic development of the tribal populace under the permissible ambit of the Constitution.
Thotso then urged the State Government to do the needful and not attempt to suppress the movement.
The student leader stated that they are not doing anything that is threatening the State security but calling the attention of the State Government.