KAC retracts stand; ATCF, VAs deny involvement
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal/Moreh, November 03 2022:
Hours after declaring to enforce the indefinite economic blockade in Tengnoupal district in support of the agitation called by All Manipur Tribals Development Grievances Forum against the non-releasing of MGNERGS fund, Kuki Chiefs' Association (KCA), Tengnoupal district has announced withdrawal of its decision after a meeting with TA & Hills, Horticulture Soil Conservation minister Letpao Haokip on Thursday.
Speaking to media persons in this regard at Hill Tribal Council conference hall, president LS Seikhojang Baite informed that some KCA Tengnoupal executives had a meeting with minister Letpao during which the latter released wages for five days and further assured of releasing the pending wages.
As such, the proposed economic blockade will not be imposed in Tengnoupal district, he added.
Meanwhile, All Tribal Chiefs' Forum (ATCF) Manipur, and village authorities/CSOs of Noney and Tamenglong districts have clarified that they do not endorse the indefinite economic blockade called by All Manipur Tribal Development Grievances Forum (AMTDGF).
In a release, ATCF general secretary Kabidon Gonmei dismissed as totally false and misleading the media reports that ATCF Manipur endorsed the economic blockade.
There has been no meeting or communication whatsoever between AMTDGF and ATCF Manipur regarding the blockade.
The viral information spread on the electronic media is the handiwork of some anti-social elements to tarnish the image of the Forum, it contended.
"Therefore, I, on behalf of ATCF Manipur, appeal to all the general public, associations, CSOs, etc., not to acknowledge nor fall into the false and misleading information of some anti-social elements," the general secretary said.
ATCF further cautioned that any untoward incident that may happen due to the misinformation should be the sole responsibility of AMTDGF and also advised the latter not to create any problems to the public, truck drivers, etc., along the national highways in the hill districts.
Similarly, a joint release by Khoupum Area Villages Authority Council (KAVAC) chairman Athon Reamei, Nungba Area Villages Authority Association (NAVAA) chairman Gaiphun Kamei, Khoupum Village Authority (KVA) chairman Luduanthaopou Kamei, Kaiphundai VA chairman Nampiupou Gangmei and Longmai village chief D Khuidilung clarified that they do not endorse the indefinite economic blockade called by AMTDGF as there was no proper consultation with the VAs/CSOs concerned.
The joint release informed the public, trucks, transport associations and CSOs that there will be no economic blockade in areas under their jurisdiction.
AMTDGF shall be held responsible for any unwanted incident that may occur and it should not create any problems along the NH 37, it further stated.