ATSUM decries alleged 'unprovoked' police action
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, May 09 2022: Deeply concerned over the incident at Tribal Colony today in which four people were injured allegedly when the Government forcibly attempted to start construction of new quarters at the place, the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur condemned in the strongest term the alleged 'unprovoked' police action that has caused fear and hurt among the residents.

The tribal student's apex body said that the residents of Tribal Colony have always conveyed to the Government that they are not averse to the idea of development and that they welcome the plan to construct a new multi-storeyed building to house the tribal employees of the State Government.

It continued that at the same time, they have also expressed that an alternative arrangement to house the 187 allottees have to be made first prior to the start of the new construction.

It recalled that when the SDO Porompat served a Show Cause notice for eviction on 24-12-2020, the residents of the colony had filed a PIL vide Writ Appeal No.11 of 1993 in the High Court and the High Court consequently issued an Interim Order WP(C) No.345 of 2021, dated 29-10-2021 which maintained that the petitioners (residents) shall not be disturbed if an alternative arrangement is not made by the Government.

However, it also says that if an alternative arrangement is made by the State the petitioners shall vacate the same immediately.

But, unfortunately, no such alternative arrangement has been made available by the State Government till date that would require the residents to vacate the colony, it added.

Instead, the Government attempted to bulldoze the residents into vacating the colony in total violation of the interim order of the High Court, it added.

ATSUM stated that the Government's unlawful intention is demonstrated today by the fact that it has severed the drinking water supply pipelines, and cut electricity connections, causing severe injury to the residents by firing tear gas and rubber bullets inside the quarters.

It also said that the Tribal Colony situated at New Checkon has a deep-rooted legacy in the lives of many tribal people of the State as it has served the welfare of the tribal employees for the last over 60 years while adding that the colony was established exclusively for residential quarters of Grade IV tribal Government servants and employees of Manipur Vide Manipur Gazette No: 94 dated 14-12-1960 with Secretariat Revenue No: 141/13/60-M dated 08-12-1960 and since then, the occupants of the aforesaid Quarters have been Tribal Govt.servants till date.

Now, it accommodates 187 families and 9 Churches constructed since 1974 for the residents to practice their faith, it added.

Considering the facts and circumstances, ATSUM demanded the Government to seriously consider some points before the start of any new construction at the colony- To uphold the interim order of the High Court WP(C) No.345 of 2021 dated 29-10-2021 thereby refrain from disturbing the residents unless an alternative arrangement is made for them to relocate.

To uphold the Supreme Court Order dated 29-09-2009 and 16-02-2010 by regularization or relocation of the nine religious structures as the case may be.

To ensure that Tribal Colony retains its name and remains exclusively for housing tribal Government servants or employees in line with the initial policy of the Government.

The student body also demanded the Government to own responsibility for the four injured persons who are undergoing treatment in the hospitals.

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