ATSUM bandh affects normal life in CCpur, Kpi, Noney
Appeal of RIMS Director rejected
Source: The Sangai Express

CCpur/Kpi, April 24 2023: The 12-hour total shutdown imposed by the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) crippled normal life in all hill districts including Kangpokpi, Churachandpur and Noney today.

The total shutdown was imposed from 6 am till 6 pm.

No untoward incidents were reported till the time of filing this report.

In Kangpokpi, all business establishments including educational institutions, except those conducting examinations, were shut.

National Highway-2 wore a deserted look with all vehicles excluding ones providing emergency services staying off the road.

Notably, ATSUM had called the 12-hour bandh disappointed at the RIMS authority for not upholding an agreement they signed on.

ATSUM bandh affects normal life in CCpur, Kpi, Noney

ATSUM, the State Government and RIMS authority had signed the agreement on April 3 and it included 1) Cancellation of the RIMS notice dated 03-03-2023 for declaration of results for appointment to posts of LDC ii) Fresh declaration of LDC appointment results with reservation--SC(3%), ST(34%) and OBC (13%) within one week time iii) to follow existing rules and DoPT guidelines in matters of all recruitment to Group C and Group D posts.

Meanwhile, ATSUM's social and culture secretary, Paul said that the State Government had approached the union (ATSUM) verbally through some hill representatives for talks, but did not receive any official intimation or invitation through proper channels so far.

He said the total shutdown imposed was to demonstrate the disappointment with RIMS authority for its adamant attitude and failure to implement the agreement.

Responding to a query, he said the RIMS Director's appeal was just an "appeasement policy" .

The office of ATSUM didn't receive any official appeal.

The RIMS Director's appeal was late and it was done through the media, he said.

In connection with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, North East Section directive to the RIMS authority, the ATSUM executive said that the Ministry was just conveying the RIMS authority about the process initiated over the reservation imbroglio and added that it was not a solution to the demands raised.

"The Ministry directive has no clarity and it was very confusing for the union," Paul added.

It may be noted that RIMS Director H Priyosakhi had yesterday appealed to ATSUM to suspend the bandh saying RIMS authority was awaiting a clearance from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The Ministry had then also directed the RIMS Director to furnish the relevant details, especially those related to the tripartite agreement signed on April 3 to it.

It also reminded the RIMS Director that the matter of reservation policy for Group C and D posts in RIMS is already under examination in the Ministry in light of DoPT guidelines and requested the RIMS authority not to take any decision at the level of the institute on such matters until a considered decision is conveyed by the Ministry.

Meanwhile, ATSUM executive Paul said that no decision on the further course of action has been decided yet.

He appreciated the support and endorsement given by all tribal organizations of the hill districts and conveyed regrets for any inconveniences caused during the shutdown period.

Churachandpur
ATSUM's 12 hours total shutdown also affected normal life in Churachandpur.

Many student bodies including Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), HSA and Zomi Students Federation (ZSF) backed the shutdown with their volunteers strictly enforcing the bandh.

All markets located within the district were shut and vehicles stayed off the roads.

The bandh was also effective at Singngat, Saikot and Sangaikot as well.

As the bandh ended without any incident of violence or stand-off, the Zomi Students Federation thanked the people for supporting ATSUM's 12 hour total shutdown.

"It was a sign of our common frustration, dissatisfaction and displeasure at the step-motherly treatment meted out by the Government," ZSF said.

KSO Churachandpur's secretary DJ Haokip while addressing the press today, thanked all those involved in effecting the bandh and the public for their 'unwavering' support.

The agitation initially proposed for April 3 was deferred as an agreement could be reached with the RIMS authority.

However, the agitation had to be resumed as that agreement was not upheld, he said.

Noney
The shutdown was also effective in Noney with the National Highways and markets donning deserted looks.

Bandh supporters came out early in the morning and enforced the shutdown in different places.

There were no goods carrying trucks on the Highway.

There has been no report of any untoward incident.