ATSUM calls bandit in hill districts
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 21 2021: All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has imposed a 24-hour bandh in hill districts of the state in denunciation of the state government not discussing The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill 2021 recommended by the Hill Areas Committee, during the ongoing session of the State Legislative Assembly.

Addressing a press meet held at its Chingmeirong office on Saturday, ATSUM general secretary SR Andria said that after a thorough study of the Bill, ATSUM adopted a unanimous resolution during a meeting.

The meeting voiced its support for the Bill and appreciated the support of the members of Hill Areas Committee, the Chief Minister and minister Leishiyo.

"The Autonomous District Council Act 1972 under the Hill Areas Committee was amended from time to time since Manipur first began the process of becoming a state.

In Manipur's context, the amendments of the Act were done in the welfare and interest of tribals, thereby helping to promote love and equality among the people of hill and the valley.

The present demand was for the Assembly to discuss the Bill with' regard to the recommendations put forth by the Hill Areas Committee", he conveyed.

Accusing the incumbent legislators of failing to introduce the Bill in the ongoing Assembly sessions, Andria said that it was regrettable of the state government not to discuss the Bill.

He then demanded the state government to either bring up the Bill for discussion in the Assembly or to clarify the true reason for not doing so.

Denouncing the state government for failing to bring up the Bill till date, the general secretary informed that a 24-hour bandh will be imposed in the hill districts of the state from the intervening night of August 21 and 22.The press meet was also attended by leaders of ANSAM, KSO GHQ and ATSUM units.

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