Hill bodies oppose ATSUM's shutdown call
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 19 2021:
The 24-hour total shutdown called by ATSUM on November 20 over non-tabling of the HAC recommended 'The Manipur (Hill Areas) ADC Bill, 2021' in the state assembly has been opposed by Zomi Students' Federation, General Headquarter (ZSF-GHQ), Joint Tribe Students' Association (JTSA) and Thadou Students' Association (TSA), Tengnoupal Branch declaring that they will not endorse the 24-hour bandh within their respective jurisdiction.
In a release, ZSF-GHQ irtade it clear that 'The Manipur (Hill Areas) ADC Bill, 2021' requires more consultations and eliciting of opinions and comments from,legal and constitutional experts before it is tabled in the assembly.
No doubt, the Bill aims at equitable and just development of the people of Manipur irrespective of valley and hitls.
However, resorting to shut down and economic blockade to achieve the demands where democratic means are yet to be exhausted may turn counter-productive.
It may also be mentioned that calling of bandhs and total shutdown at this juncture is wrong-timed, ill-conceived and uncalled for as festive season is approaching which will only bring hardships to the poor and daily wage labourers.
It may also be noted that ZSF was neither consulted nor taken into confidence before taking decision on calling the shutdown, it emphasised.
ZSF-HQ further conveyed that hence, it will not support the total shut down being called by ATSUM and it will remain ineffective within the jurisdiction of ZSF.
Similarly, TSA Tengnoupal Branch information secretary Thangminlal Haokip said in a release that such type of shutdown, economic blockade at this time is not acceptable when earning for livelihood is approaching normality after the lock down enforced due to Covid-19 and people are striving hard to earn more for Christmas celebration.
The TSA unit appealed to the leaders of ATSUM to re-consider their proposed shutdown and economic blockade in the interest of people, particularly those in the hills.
Though, they understand and support the motive of the Bill they are totally against the proposed shutdown and economic blockades at this juncture, it stated, while reiterating that the proposed shutdown and economic blockades being called by ATSUM will not be effective in all Thadou areas of Tengnoupal district.
The Joint Tribe Students' Association (JTSA) also opposed the proposed 24-hour total shut-down in hill districts by ATSUM.
In a release, JTSA secretary Masanbou Thi-umai said that the decisioanot to endorse the ATSUM agitation was taken after due consultation with members and advisors in the larger interest of the public.
"We support the spirit and essence of the Bill and appeal the government to take necessary action in the interest of tribal people at the right time," it said while adding that ATSUM's total shutdown and economic blockade is untimely and uncalled for, as the festive season is fast approaching.
It then said the bandh will not be enforced in Tamenglong and Noney districts, and along NH 37.It also said all shops and offices will remain open to public as usual, and national projects like railways and highway construction works will continue in areas under JTSA's jurisdiction.
JTSA is a conglomerate of four tribes of Tamenglong and Noney districts namely All Inpui Students' Union (AISU), Liangmai Naga Katimei Ruangdi (LNKR), Rongmei Naga Students' Organisation Manipur (RNSOM) and Zeme Students' Organisation Manipur (ZSOM) .
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