ATSUM set to launch mobilising campaign on tribal issues
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, September 11 2013: All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) will mobilise soon on the tribal issues.

This was stated during the induction ceremony of its new members today.

Eight new functionaries of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) have been inducted its office, Nagaram in Imphal today.

Th Helen Kipgen is the new deputy speaker, Satminthang Kipgen is the new assistant general secretary, Thangjalun Baite as external affairs secretary, Thangneikham Guite as secretary incharge of planning and mobilisation, Ch Nisuathang Aimol as secretary incharge of social and culture and R Machunlungpou as secretary looking after the disabled persons affairs.

D Stephen Zeme and Dr Helmang Touthang are the members of the ATSUM's advisory committee.

Meanwhile, ATSUM has reiterated that any tribal MLA who refuses to lend support to the tribal issues in Manipur to be declared as 'anti-tribals' by the All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM).

This decision was taken by leaders of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) who were camping in New Delhi last month.

According to ATSUM general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, ATSUM leaders had met the New Delhi based Manipur Tribal Rights Forum, Delhi (MTRF-D) and had discussed issues confronting the tribal people in Manipur.

A memorandum each was also submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India.

Vareiyo Shatsang said, in the memorandum to the Prime Minister, ATSUM had urged for the re0organisation of assembly seats in Manipur on the basis of the latest population census and other consideration areas like cultural affinity and topographical proximity.

The ATSUM also mention in its memo to upgrade the six Autonomous District Councils at par with other ADCs of the North Eastern states.

It further urged to give special package for a period of not less than 25 years to accelerate developmental works in the hills and to catch up with other scheduled countered parts in Nagaland, Mizoram and elsewhere in the North East which are comparatively way ahead of the unfortunate tribal people living in Manipur in terms of education and development.

Finally, ATSUM urged the Prime Minister to set aside the demand put forward by Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee, Manipur (STDCM) for more deliberations at the grass root level.

President of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) Muan Tombing, its general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang and others had camped in New Delhi meeting leaders of All India Tribal Students Federation (AITSF), Manipur Tribal Rights Forum, Delhi and many other civil organisations based in New Delhi.

"Except the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), no welfare laws are working in Manipur," said ATSUM leaders had said few days ago, adding, "The AFSPA is strictly implemented in Manipur for several decades now inspite of strong opposition from the people both in the hills and the valley." "Harping continuously by the successive state governments to safeguard the territorial integrity of Manipur but failed to address the plights of the hill people in Manipur, have angered the tribal people of the state," expressed the ATSUM leaders, adding, "It is in this kind of political climate that we, on behalf of the tribals of Manipur is taking the movement to the national capital" .

According to them, ATSUM covers in the five hill districts of Manipur (hill areas) and "we are working hard to address the ails in our jurisdiction" .

Vareiyo had alleged that constitutional and statutory laws pertaining to the hill areas of Manipur are virtually non-functional and "therefore, has lost its meaning" .

According to the tribal student leaders, Article 371 (C) exists but it has not been implemented in letter and spirit in the five hill districts of Manipur.

"It has been systematically suppressed by the state through bureaucratic manipulations," alleged the ATSUM leader.

Citing an example, the ATSUM leaders said that the Village Authority Act under the Hill areas' Autinomous District Council (ADC) Act of 1971, has not been in use.

"In modern society we need to have rule of law and for that we have been steadfastly demanding administrative autonomy," they said.

ATSUM demands the setting up of a separate state Commission for the Scheduled Tribe in Manipur.

It also demands that the reservation policy is strictly maintained.

"It will be in the best interest of all that the issues be raised by ATSUM, are addressed sonner than later.

It is the universal desire," Vareiyo had added.

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