Imphal, November 24: The All Naga Students" Association, Manipur (ANSAM) and Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) Ghqs have imposed an indefinite economic blockade on both the National Highways to protest against the State Govt's indifferent attitude towards the hill people of Manipur with effect from midnight of Nov 25.It may be mentioned that the two tribal student bodies had strongly demanded the immediate implementation of MoU signed between the State Govt and the student organisations for issue of DP concurrence order to effect the functioning of the newly created office of Additional Director (s) Hills smoothly and independently.

They also demanded early implementation of the Rs 75 lakhs already sanctioned by the Centre but which is still lying in the State Account for computer room construction in each of the five hill districts of Manipur.

The leaders of the two student bodies also added that the Judicial Inquiry committee constituted to probe the killing of three Kuki students on October 25 should be set-up immediately as per the MoU signed on Oct 29 between the Govt and the KSO as the State Govt promised to set up the committee within 15 days of their agreement.

Talking to Newmai News Network, the leaders of the two student bodies said that if their three genuine demands - issue of DP concurrence order, immediate implementation of Rs 75 lakhs meant for constructing computer rooms in hill districts and setting up the Judicial Inquiry Committee to probe the killing of three Kuki students, were not made latest by Nov25, they would be constrained to impose and indefinite economic blockade from midnight of Nov 25.Charging the State Govt as anti-hill people, they said the Govt is has taken up no policy to develop the hill dists of Manipur.

It said some Ministers were thriving by exploiting the grievances of the hill people.

The student leaders also said that the recent visit of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh was only for the development of valley people.

"Nothing was done for the development of neglected hill people of Manipur by the Prime Minister during his maiden visit to Manipur.

He (PM) only come here in Manipur to ensure the development of valley part of Manipur", the leaders of the two student bodies charged.

"It is shocking that the Ibobi-led Govt, made no effort to solve the legitimate problems of hill Manipur.

The hill people of Manipur have had enough of the Govt's 'neglect and apathy'.

They deserve a little more respect and dignity", they said.

Pointing out that the hill people of Manipur are also an integral part of India, the student bodies said the Govts at the Centre and in the State had remained largely unconcerned about the plight of these poor hill tribal people.

The Student leaders further said that the tribals were treated like dogs by the successive State Govts.

They were still not in a position to enjoy their rights as others and they were neglected and oppressed because of their backwardness and poor economy.

No wonder that the hill Manipur is lagging behind in developmental aspect.

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