ATSUM(ES) calls 24hrs bandh
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 18 2014:
The All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has called a 24hrs bandh in all the hill districts of Manipur from midnight of August 21 .
A press release issued by ATSUM president Emboi Serto alleged that the State Government and MU authorities haven't paid any attention towards their down to earth appeals to implement the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act 2012 from the current academic session.
It is a matter of serious concern that the MU administrative council has decided to implement the Act from the next academic session only because there were oppositions from some sections of people.
He added, the Government and MU authorities should not play with the Act passed by the Parliament.
Serto asserted that Manipur is a State where around 43 pc of the population is constituted by tribals and 2.5 per cent by Scheduled Caste.
Majority Meiteis have enjoyed maximum seats and the Tribals constituting 43 pc are left with just 7.5 pc.
ATSUM also earlier requested the agitating student body not to misinterpret the contents of the Clause 2 of the Amendment Act.
Emboi Serto also appealed to all other tribal organisations to stand united.
ATSUM also appealed to all transporter organisations, businessmen, educationists, Government employees and others to co-operate with their decision and refrain from their works.
Medical and media will be relaxed from the purview of the 24-hour bandh.
ATSUM is ready for more intense form of agitations after the bandh if MU and State Government remain silent over the issue.
Emboi Serto further added, if any untoward incident happens then it shall be the sole responsibility for the State Government, MU authorities and elected tribal representatives, it added.