ATSUM-T submits memo against Minister Nasir
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, May 03 2014 :
The All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) submitted a representation to Dr.Rameshwar Oraon, chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, New Delhi regarding the institution of immediate action against Md.Nasir, Agriculture minister, Government of Manipur as per Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste (prevention of atrocities) Act, 1989 for his alleged racial discrimination and atrocities to a tribal Zonal Education Officer/District project officer of Thoubal district, Manipur, according to ATSUM (Muan Tombing) .
According to the tribal student body, on the fateful day of April 24 at around 5:30 pm, David Tualzathang, ZEO/BDO Thoubal district as summoned over the phone by the Agricultural Minister went to meet the latter at his official quarter.
The Minister had asked the ZEO whether the school management and Development Committee (SMDC) of Laiphrakpam Laishram Mamang Leikai Primary School, Lilong was approved by him.
When the ZEO replied in affirmative, the Minister stood up and physically assaulted by giving blows and verbally hurling offensive and discriminatory words.
According to ATSUM, the Minister had also said that the ZEO should be posted at his own district Churachandpur and not in Thoubal valley.
The tribal officer was even told to adhere to the minister's instruction and not to follow the SSA's guideline which is why centrally sponsored flagship programmes and schemes are being misappropriated and adjusted in the name of local adjustment, alleged the tribal student body.
Further, the tribal officer was ordered to file an FIR by the minister against the incumbent SMDC by saying that his (the officer's) signature was obtained by coercion and intimation at gunpoint.
ATSUM stated, "Whereas, the becoming act and savagery of a people's representative who is also given neither desirable nor tolerable in one of the largest democracy country like India.
With enumerable and inalienable rights enshrined in the Constitution of India wherein the scheduled castes/tribes are protected and safeguarded under prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.Clause X of chapter-II under offences and atrocities says 'intentionally insults or intimidates with intent to humiliate a member of a scheduled caste or scheduled tribe in any place view is punishable'" .
The student body has fervently beseech to initiate prompt action against the 'rowdy minister' who has a history of assaulting and manhandling tribal and non-tribal officers at regular intervals.
Frequent occurrence of insane act and hurling of verbal abuse on communal divide is a sensitive issue in Manipur that may trigger to escalate the animosity between two minor communities, ATSUM stated.
The tribal student union while condemning the reckless and wanton display of the minister at the highest ceiling to avoid further complication said that the Minister should resign from his post on moral ground and that if the demand is failed to be addressed, then, the union would be compelled to spearhead democratic agitations to see that justice is delivered.