Uncertainty continues to hang over blockade status :: ATSUM denounces MoU, suspends VP
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, August 09 2022: Uncertainty still looms large over the ATSUM's economic blockade even though an MoU was inked between the student body and the Government even as the tribal student body denounced the MoU and suspended its vice president Vanlanlian Khaute who signed the MoU.

Finance secretary of ATSUM, Kakai Singsit while speaking to the media at Senapati said that Khaute has been suspended for violating the conduct of the union.

In an emergency meeting held today at Senapati district headquarters, the All Tribal Students' Union Manipur and its federating units denounced the MoU inked between the State Government, the Hill Areas Committee, ATSUM, ANSAM, and KSO-Ghqs on August 7 on matters relating to the impasse over the HAC recommended 'Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill 2021' .

According to the ATSUM, the decision to denounce the MoU was adopted as the agreement was signed at the unilateral capacity of the individuals involved without consulting the executives of ATSUM and its federating units.

It also suspended Vanlanlian Khaute from the post of vice president.

Further, it decided to convene another emergency meeting of ATSUM, ANSAM, KSO-Ghqs and federating units of ATSUM and senior leaders on August 10 to seek a common way forward of the 'ongoing movement' for introduction of the HAC recommended 'Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill, 2021' in the Manipur Legislative Assembly and enactment of the same.

Although no official announcement has been made on lifting the ongoing economic blockade, vehicles ferrying essential commodities were seen plying along National Highway 2 since yesterday evening.

On inquiry, some of the ATSUM leaders were not willing to give any comment on whether the economic blockade has been officially lifted or still on.

However some leaders said that it is still on as no official announcement has been made.

Nonetheless, no vehicles were seen stranded along the National Highway-2 in Kangpokpi district.

A reliable source informed that a clear picture on the status of the economic blockade will emerge after tomorrow's meeting as it will discuss and decide on the matter as well as future course of action to be taken up.

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