Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 14 2009:
Even as the 48 hours National Highway blockade called by the Thadou Students' Association (TSA) came to an end yesterday, the student body has set February 10 as deadline for the Government to implement the MoU it signed with the TSA.
The MoU signed between the TSA and the Education Minister pertains to development of infrastructure for schools located in Sadar Hills area and recruitment of requisite teachers.
Speaking to reporters at its office at Motbung bazar yesterday, TSA vice-president Paotinsei Thadou noted that the highway blockade concluded without any unwanted incident because of the support and cooperation extended by people.
Disclosing that RC Books for five vehicles were seized for violating the blockade, Paotinsei said that the RC Books will be returned back to the owners.
Claiming that it was compelled to impose the blockade in the interest of students and the public because of the Government's failure to implement the MoU despite repeated appeals and reminders, Paotinsei decried the reported act of issuing arrest warrants against TSA volunteers.
Asking why no arrest warrants were issued when NSCN (IM) cadres were found holed up in Siroy for a long time, the TSA functionary cautioned that the entire Thadou community will court mass arrest in case any TSA volunteer is arrested.
Since 2003 when the Keithelmanbi High School was demolished by a mud slide that occurred at Gopibung, students of the High School are being taught in a UJB school for lack of school building, the TSA urged upon the Government to implement the MoU by February 20 .
In case the State Government fails to act within the deadline set, the TSA would be constrained to launch different forms of agitation including economic blockade from February 21, Paotinsei said.