'Bogus ATSUM trying to fool the people, Govt'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 13 2013:
Urging the general public, tribal civil organisations and the Government not to be misled and confused by some vested interests and disgruntled leaders who used the name of ATSUM unofficially by publishing their vested opinion and hurling unparliamentary and unethical words through the media, the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur has asked the concerned 'bogus ATSUM' to immediately shun issuing press statements as it disturbed tribal unity and solidarity.
A statement issued today by Chief Election Commission of ATSUM, W Shinglai said that it was very unfortunate that the so called ATSUM formed by few vested interests is trying to fool the people and the Government by threatening to call bandh and blockade in tribal areas.
It stated that the 'unmandated and pseudo ATSUM must be restrained from disturbing the unity of the tribal at this critical juncture.
"Patronising this bogus ATSUM by some individuals and organisations including even from the press is very much condemnable and uncalled for.
The history of ATSUM is not one year old and all leaders irrespective of tribal affiliation must understand this," W Shinglai said.
In trying to bring mutual understanding and unity among the tribal, former leaders of ATSUM, KSO and ANSAM including intellectuals have been sitting together for months and have finally decided to hold a fresh election, the statement said while reiterating that election of All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) would be held within this month.