TODAY -

Minutely studying the ROTO stir : Not the time for mud slinging
- Sangai Express Editorial :: November 14 , 2013 -



Unconventional it is to open a commentary which is not central to the subject, but an explanation is in line here.

With two bodies taking on the name of the All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur, The Sangai Express, to clear the doubts of readers and others, had decided to go ahead and name the two organisations under their leadership and hence the names ATSUM (T), T standing for its president Tombing and ATSUM (ES), ES standing for Emboi Serto made it to the pages of this newspaper.

Very much in line with the names NSCN (IM), NSCN (K) and NSCN (KK) to differentiate the different groups, which have all laid claims to the same name, NSCN.

Or the various factions of the KCP which have a suffix within a bracket.

This however is not central to the observation that is to follow, for it is about the issues on which the second phase of the agitation, christened ROTO (Reckoning of the others), has been launched by the ATSUM under the leadership of Tombing as president and Vareiyo Shatshang as the general secretary.

Student bodies are pressure groups and more. In many ways they are watchdogs of the society, taking up issues concerning the welfare of the students and society at large but at the same time it also stands true that they may at times overstep their briefs and take things into their own hands which is unbecoming of a student organisation.

The charter of demands put up by the pro-stir ATSUM is no doubt lengthy and covers a whole gamut of issues concerning the hill districts and the people. A brief recap may help in clearing the picture a little more.

After the first phase of ROTO was launched, the Government found time to listen to the grievances of ATSUM under the leadership of Tombing on June 12 this year and gave the assurance that their grievances would be looked into.

If memory serves us right, the assurance included discussing the points raised by the student body on the floor of the Assembly.

Six months down the line and there is as yet nothing to show that the Government is keen to keep its words, if the contention of the ATSUM (T) is anything to go by.

Some of the salient points which ATSUM (T) had put up before the Government for redressal include appointment of adequate teachers and staff in schools located in the hill districts, development of necessary infrastructure, addressing the lack of infrastructure in Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Imphal Regional Centre, establishment of BEd course centres in the hill districts.

Apart from this the student body has been demanding adequate strength of doctors, nurses, paramedical staff as well as adequate provisions in the Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres, Primary Health Sub-Centres located in the hill districts.

At one level, this is a tall demand, in the sense that it is not only the hill districts which have been suffering from want of proper Government attention and yet at the same time this should not be too tough a task for the Government to fulfil, provided there is political will.

All the points or demands raised by ATSUM (T) merit due consideration and it is equally important to ensure that due consideration seems to have been given.

It is here that it is important not to discount the possibility that in as much as the angst and sense of frustration of the student organisation may be against the failure of the Government to act on its assurance, it may also be against the failure of the Government to convey the message that it is trying to do something.

This is an important point which should not be lost in the din and dust kicked up by the presence of two student organisations with the same name and adopting polarised positions.

Not the time for mud slinging, but to treat the issues on its merit.

Time for all concerned to think over it.



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