AMTU accuses Government of locking its meeting venue
Source: The Sangai Express
Churachandpur, July 17 2021:
The All-Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) has accused the State Government of derailing their proposed meeting by locking the venue of its proposed open discussion.
AMTU condemned the alleged actions of the Government and expressed its resolve to not be bogged down by the undemocratic suppression of the people's right.
It may be mentioned that AMTU was schedule to hold 'One Day Open Discussion on Indigenous Tribal Land Rights of the Hill Areas of Outer Manipur' at YPA GHQ Hall, Hiangtam Lamka, against the backdrop of the Chief Minister's statement declaring that 'all land in Manipur belongs to the State Government' .
The meeting venue however was found locked.
AMTU has claimed that the proposed meeting was forcibly stopped by the State police force where the venue for the meeting was locked.
AMTU in a press release mentioned that no amount of undemocratic and uncivilized acts of forcible sabotaging a healthy democratic discussion could deter the spirit and determination of the tribals to protect and safeguard their inherent rights under the Constitution of India.
In this regard, the Zomi Chiefs Association & the Kuki Chiefs Association were entrusted to meet at the earliest and find a way forward, uniting all the existing Chief Forums within Outer Manipur in close coordination and support of the AMTU.
The meeting, it said, also denounced the proposed mass tree plantation of the Government of Manipur at Lukhoi village which is scheduled on July 19 and 20, 2021 against the will and consent of the village chiefs.