ATSUM raises stand on ADC Bill, again
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, July 16 2022:
The second general assembly of the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) held at Haipi, Kangpokpi unanimously resolved to protect the Constitutional rights, customary laws and practices of the tribal communities and agreed to pressure the Government to table "The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill 2021" at the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
The ATSUM pledge christened "Haipi Pledge" was signed by the president of All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM), All Naga Students' Association (ANSAM), Kuki Students' Organisation�GHQ (KSO-GHQ), Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), Naga Students' Union Chandel (NSUC), chairman of Zeliangrong Students' Union Manipur (ZSUM) and convenor of Joint Students' Body (JSB) .
Demanding the tabling of HAC recommended "Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill 2021" at the Manipur Legislative Assembly, the general assembly pledged to strive together until the demand is fulfilled by the State Government.
It also pledged to protect the Constitutional rights, customary laws, and practices of the tribal communities.
According to the student body, a declaration has also been made to stand united and facilitate commitment to tribal causes and issues.
The general assembly also resolved to reaffirm and endorse the ATSUM executives in pursuing the charter of demands including constitution of an Education Commission, especially in hill districts placed before the Government by ATSUM on August 13, 2019 .
On Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill 2021, the house resolved to reiterate the demand for the tabling of the Bill so that the same could be enacted as an Act, said the student body.
The general assembly also resolved that it will not accept any Land or Forest Laws concerning the tribals being enacted by the State Government which undermines the special provision of the hill people and any exploration or exploitation of natural resources in tribal land should be acceptable and beneficial to the land owners.
On the imposition of a major language, the house resolved to fight tooth and nail against any form/kind of imposition of a major language upon tribal people.
The second general assembly was attended by ATSUM tribunal members, senior leaders, members of federating units, representatives of ANSAM and its units among others.