ZSF, JTSA oppose ATSUM bandh call
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 02 2022: Zomi Students' Federation (ZSF) GHQ has announced that it will closely monitor the bandh called by ATSUM and warned that no other organisations will be permitted to intrude and interfere within the jurisdiction of ZSF.

In a release, ZSF GHQ emphasised that no bandh volunteers will be allowed within its jurisdiction without the consent and knowledge of the Federation.

Stating that they support and back ATSUM on all issues it takes up on behalf and in the interest of the tribals in Manipur, the Federation, however, said that it believes that ATSUM's call for bandh regarding the HAC proposed Bill, at this juncture is counterproductive and not conducive to the present scenario of political dialogue between the government and their leaders.

"We hope and believe that rather than raising this issue, we should back and support our leaders in the talks.

For the end result of the said talks, if they are successful, will be many, many times more desirable than this proposed Bill.

Therefore, pushing for this Bill at this point is an agenda of the detractors of the on-going talks," it said.

Similarly, Joint Tribe Students Association (JTSA), a conglomeration of All Inpui Students' Union (AISU), Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi (LNKR), Rongmei Naga Students' Organisation Manipur (RNSOM) and Zeme Students' Orgnaisation Manipur (ZSOM), has announced that the 24-hour total shut down called by ATSUM will not be imposed along NH-37 in Tamenglong and Noney, a statement by JTSA has said.

JTSA mentioned that though it extends support to the demands made by ATSUM, however, total shut down at such difficult times is not encouraged.

It is also not aware of the resolution adopted in the 2nd ATSUM General Assembly 2022 held at Haipi Village, Sadar Hills and other meetings.

The release continued that after prolonged deliberations with the leaders, seniors and advisors, JTSA has resolved to not to endorse the ATSUM's shutdown call.

The whole stretch of NH-37, including the Tongjei Maril (Old Cachar road) will remain open as usual to everyone.

All shops, business establishments and government offices in Tamenglong and Noney (Longmai) will remain open.

All National Projects executed under their jurisdiction can continue their work at full swing, it stated, while appealing to all the student bodies and village authorities located along NH-37 to assist smooth flow of traffic between Jiribam to Imphal and in between.

In continuation with their previous stands, which support the HAC recommended ADC Bill 2021, the Association also urged all the elected tribal MLAs who are the representative of the people to raise their voice or resign on moral ground in pursuance of the said Bill.

The responsibilities lie not only on the HAC chairman, but also upon all tribal loving MLAs collectively, it stated.

JTSA further appealed to the state government to make every effort for giving due regard to the constitutional provisions provided under the Constitution of India for tribals by tabling the HAC recommended ADC Bill in the Assembly.

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