ZYF urges ATSUM (T) to call off agitation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 15 2013 :
Appealing to the ATSUM (T) leadership to call off its ongoing agitation as it lacks supports from even their colleagues, the Zeliangrong Youth Front (AMN) has said it would be compelled to react to the agitation by not allowing further continuation of ban or bandh in Zeliangrong areas if ATSUM (T) leadership fails to reciprocate the appeal in the larger interest of the tribal people.
A statement issued by Information and Publicity Secretary of ZYF (AMN), Jaomuna Kamei appealed the ATSUM (T) leaders to call off its ongoing agitation of banning national projects and rather opt for other effective democratic forms of agitation with mass participation after holding wide consultation with people for launching spontaneous agitation in all tribal districts without confining to particular areas.
The announcement of ATSUM (T) to intensify agitation and warning to launch indefinite hill bandh by ATSUM (ES) shows lack of co-ordination, disunity and rigid mindset amongst the leaders of the students' organisation, the statement said.
The tribal students' spirit and enthusiasm for the cause of tribal people is praiseworthy but their failing to understand each other and the reality is quite unfortunate, the statement added.
"The ATSUM led by Tombing faction most of the time have praised the State Govt but this time, surprisingly lauded the United Naga Council (UNC) regarding UNC movement against ADC election.
This shows their realisation regarding the State Govt administrative manipulation, exploitation, infringement on tribal rights on land and others etc and gaining knowledge about the tribal issues," it said.
When the Naga people in particular and the tribal in general are totally opposing the 3rd amendment of Autonomous District Council (ADC) Act, 2008 and declared the ADC election held under this Act as null and void, some individuals belonging to tribal community, once upon a time, filed Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the erstwhile Gauhati High Court, Imphal Bench praying for holding of ADC election.
Similar PIL was filed demanding to functions ADC in their respective district as presently ADC has been functioning in Imphal due to nullification of the same by the UNC and Naga people.
To pursue the tribal people's rights and affairs with divided house even at the students' body level is only creating advantage for further exploitation where tribal people will remain marginalised.
Push and pull among the tribal student leaders while highlighting even tribal students' grievances is not the right approach method, the ZYF statement said.
The Zeliangrong Youth Front has been silently observing the ATSUM faction agitation as we feel unwillingness to dishearten and discourage the student's interest and also considering the genuine and legitimate demand.
But, as the agitation is not seen extending support even by their colleagues, it is felt imperative to appeal the ATSUM faction to call off the present agitation, it stated.