Strike impact
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 19 2013 :
The All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM)-sponsored 24-hr general strike has thrown normal life out of gear in the hill districts today.
The strike was reported to have immense impact in Ukhrul, Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts.
Inter-district passenger service to and from the districts remained off the road though private vehicles were seen plying.
Delegates and vehicles used for youth conference of Rongmei Naga Baptist Church at Tamenglong headquarters were exempted from the purview of the strike, said ATSUM speaker Majabung Gangmei.
Strike enforcers also closed down shops and establishments at Thangal and Paona Keithels this morning before 10 .
However, with the intervention of Imphal West district police commandos, shops resumed normal chores.
A bus, two mini buses and an LPG carrier were stoned by strike supporters today at Kanglatombi along NH-2.No casualty has been reported though.
ATSUM has been calling the general strike on various demands including setting up of Manipur State Commission for ST, providing adequate infrastructure to the Regional Campus of IGNTU and other educational institutions in the hill districts, etc.
ATSUM had earlier announced to launch intense agitation other than the general strike if their demands are not met immediately.
It may be mentioned that several tribal students' organisations have announced to resist the ATSUM sponsored strike while some pledged support to ATSUM.
Questioning the legitimacy of the present ATSUM, several tribal student organisations like SDSA, NSUC and KSO have announced not to extend support to the strike.
On the other hand, bodies like ZSF, ZSUM, IGNTUSU, TKS endorsed the strike.