Imphal, February 28: While coming down heavily on the state government pertaining to the land acquisition impasse over the construction of National Institute of Technology (NIT) and other issues, the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has termed the dealings of Manipur government as "dictatorial democracy" alleging that the state government has failed to respect the sentiments and the rights of the minorities of Manipur on various issues.

ANSAM president Paul Langhu in a lengthy statement issued to NNN said that Manipur being a state of composite cultures and ethnic groups, it is the bounden responsibilities of the government to settle issues confronting the state with right approach for social peace in the land.

Decrying the government decision of establishing the National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Langol-Lamphelpat area in Imphal despite stiff opposition put up from the common people by "forcibly evicting the residents", the ANSAM statement alleged that the government is exposing 'dictatorial democracy'.

It also said that acquiring common people's land for the state project without obtaining prior consents of the affected land owners is suppressing the democratic rights to ownership of the common people.

Such approach and attitude is drifting apart the relations between the people and the powers that be, maintained the statement while urging the government to respect the human values.

Putting across its opposition to the "sinister design" of the government in trying to occupy private land "forcibly" for the construction of NIT, the ANSAM statement also conveyed its solidarity to the affected land owners of Langol, Imphal.

Perturbed by the policy of the state government in perpetually "ignoring the interest of the hill people", the statement of the Naga students' body also voiced concern "at the attempt of the state government to discreetly deny reservation policy" in the recent recruitment of Ayush Doctors under the National Rural Health Mission Society.

It further alleged that out that out of the 40 posts filled recently, no reservation policy has been adopted by the state agency in the recruitment process, besides "denying genuine" tribal applicants.

The ANSAM then appealed to the elected representatives of Manipur legislative assembly to raise the issue in an appropriate forum.

Further coming down on the "encroachment of scheduled areas" under the Autonomous District Council, the ANSAM said that the encroachment of scheduled areas under ADC and acquisition of villages of Hill districts under Panchayat election 2007 is tantamount to direct assault to the rights of land ownership of tribals.

The statement said that even the district re-organization file of 1980 requisited by the revenue department of Imphal has not been returned to the respective district headquarters.

Democratic approach by the ANSAM and Kuki Students' Organization (General Headquarters) (KSO-GHQ) in the matter is yet to receive attention from the state government, the statement said while adding that the Manipur government is deafening its ears to the plight of the people.

ANSAM also urged social organizations and armed groups to uphold mutual understanding .

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