TYCM declares Dec 13 stir over tribal issues
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, December 02 2024:
Tribal Youth Council, Manipur (TYCM) has accused the BJP-led state government of side-lining key tribal issues including the improper functioning of Tribal Affairs and Hills (TA & H) Department, Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST) and Tribal Research Institute (TRI) among others.
Addressing the media at Manipur Press Club here on Monday, TYCM general secretary Robert Gonmei said that despite the recruitment process of different departments carried out amid the current crisis, the government has been ignoring the staff shortage in the three key department/institutions for tribals despite repeated demands.
He said that TYCM earlier set a deadline of November 29 to initiate process to fulfil their demands.
"However, as the government has not provided any response till date, an executive meeting of the Council resolved to launch widespread protest from December 13 unless the government gives a positive response by then," he declared.
The protest will be intensified if the government continues to ignore their appeal, he cautioned, while adding that the government shall bear the responsibility for any unwanted outcomes of such intensified protest.
Gonmei said that TYCM had submitted memorandums to the chief minister, on October 1 and November 6, demanding appointment of two members, one member secretary, and regularisation of eight clerical staff for MSCST; separate fund for MSCST under National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and enhancement of fund allocation from Rs 90 lakh to Rs 10 crore; appointment of dedicated director, and filling up vacant posts in the TA&H department; releasing pending benefits under TA&H department; appointment of dedicated director and filling up vacant post for TRI; and continuation of tribal cultural festival programmes under TRI .