ATSUM's indefinite blockade communal, says KSO
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 21 2014 : Strongly condemning the indefinite economic blockade called by Muan Tombing led ATSUM, KSO has asserted that it recognizes only one ATSUM and that is the one led by Emboi Serto.

Therefore, KSO after due consultation with other tribal student organisations has arrived at a decision not to support the blockade, stated a press release issued by Information Secretary, KSO General Headquarters.

It further asserted that the Tombing led ATSUM has always allegedly indulged in abusing power gained illicitly.

The blockade which would affect Diwali, Ningol Chakouba and Sangai Festival is highly condemnable.

KSO further alleged that the demands put up by the group are just publicity stunt to garner public sympathy.

The issues addressed under ROTO are the same issues being advocated by each and every tribal student body.

These issues form the heart of ATSUM's long struggle for justice.

The issues should be resolved understandingly without causing extreme suffering to the common people.

The Government must hold talks with the rightful apex tribal student body which is the ATSUM led by Emboi Serto and its senior leaders.

The call for boycott of the Sangai festival and Ningol Chakkouba is highly unprecedented in the history of bandh in Manipur.

No organisation has ever boycotted one's festival.

Nobody in his rightful mind would call for boycott of festivals.

It is communal in nature and is a threat to peace and harmony, it added.

Meanwhile, pointing out that there is no bandh or blockade in the hill districts except in some pockets, the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur led by Emboi Serto asserted that the bandh called by the so called ATSUM led by self styled president Muan Tombing will not affect the hill areas under any circumstances.

A press communiqu� signed by the student body leader Emboi Serto said that ATSUM will not shy away from tribal issues and will continue to fight until or unless the Government grants them their rights.

He continued that the people of Manipur should also know that the majority community as well the Government has not done enough for the tribal.

ATSUM respects the sentiments of the people of Manipur during this time when Ningol Chakkouba is round the corner, the ATSUM president said while recalling the Momoko incident where thousands of tribals coming from different parts of the country just to celebrate Christmas were denied the opportunity to be with their dear ones and some even walking hundreds of miles.

"Our Manipuri brethrens should know that emotional integrity precedes territorial integrity", asserted Emboi Serto.

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