Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 17:
Giving a breather to the economically deprived people of the State, the economic blockade imposed along the National Highways passing through the State by the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) in pursuance of its four-point demands has been lifted from today following an agreement with the State Government.
Demanding enhancement of ST job quota in Centrally governed Manipur University to 34.2 percent and appointment of required school teachers in the five hill districts among other demands, the student body imposed economic blockade along National Highways 39 and 53 with effect from 6 am of May 2 .
According to ATSUM spokesman Joseph Hmar, the economic blockade has been lifted in public interest as a consequent of the assurance given on implementing the demands of the student body within a timebound period after a meeting yesterday with Education Minister and other officials concerned.
Holding the election of the Autonomous District Council within two months, complete finalisation of the works ion Joint Forest Management within one month, appointment of the required teachers in the schools of the hills within 15 days and discussion of the matter related to reservation of ST seats in Manipur University after the Chief Minister returns from New Delhi are among the points agreed by the Government during the meeting, Joseph said, adding that the State Government has given a time bound commitment to implement these demands.
Meanwhile, in a statement made available to the press, general secretary of ATSUM Thomas Taishya said that it is in the interest of the public that the economic blockade has been lifted and not on the satisfaction of the Government commitment to the tribal people and demands of ATSUM.
The Government has given time bound commitment on the four issues raised by ATSUM and hoped that the Government will fulfil its commitment and not lead ATSUM on the path of future agitation, Taishya said, while regretting the inconveniences caused to the public during the course of the economic blockade.