ATSUM's economic blockade call TSA opposes, ZSUM retorts, KSO endorses
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 15, 2013: Maintaining that the demands placed before the Govt by the ATSUM under the leadership of Emboi Serto are replica of the points already raised by Muan Tombing led ATSUM, the Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur (ZSUM) and Thadou Students' Association (TSA) have asked the agitating group to call off its proposed economic blockade.

Meanwhile, the KSO Chandel has announced to enforce the blockade effectively within its jurisdiction.

A statement issued by the TSA General headquarters today said that the panic buying of petrol and diesel and inflating price of certain commodities is the handy work of the ATSUM splinter group in an attempt to make fast money in collaboration with the dealers.

Registering its opposition to the proposed economic blockade, the TSA said it would, along with other organisations of the hill, ensure free passage of vehicles along NH-57 and NH-37.It would not support the agitation in Chandel, Sadar Hills, Ccpur and Jiribam areas.

The statement also said that the Emboi led ATSUM group is posing a threat to the people especially Class X and XII students who are appearing the board and council exams.

"If they claim to be one of the student organisations, every possible measures should be taken to improve the quantity of education.

Imposing economic blockade and its subsequent outcome will certainly create psychic trauma among the students," the TSA statement signed by its general secretary, James Haokip said.

Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Students' Union Manipur (ZSUM) has strongly denounced the 'unqualified statement' of the Kom Rem Students' Union (KRSU) which appeared in a section of the media.

"The earlier version of ZSUM was purely for the welfare of all communities against the unwise decision of some splinter group harassing the people by calling bandh and blockade." "It is once again reminded that the apex ATSUM with its federating units ZSUM, TKS, CDSU, NSUC and SDSA should only determine the future of the tribal students and the tribal people," a statement issued by the information and publicity secretary of ZSUM, Victor Hugou asserted.

The ZSUM also advised the KRSU, which is not ATSUM's federating unit, to maintain its silence to avoid more problems which are likely to crop up while also saying that the KRSU is not the competent authority to speak over the issue.

It is also unwise on the part of the KRSU to have side with some insignificant splinter group or deserter of ATSUM conspiring for the ills of the common tribal people.

KRSU should not spit venom without knowledge that the Govt is formed by the people irrespective of ethnic and racial affiliations.

The loss incurred by the common men both in hills and valley in terms of revenue is directly effecting tribal people more than the valley dwellers just because there is a big gap of income generation between the haves and haves not.

It further advised the KRSU to get update of the latest socio-political scenario of the State.

ATSUM under the leadership of Muan Tombing has held three rounds of talks, the latest being on Nov 25, 2013 wherein all the charter of demands have been assured fulfilment by the CM within a stipulated time.

Therefore, the charter of demands placed by the splinter group is just a replica of the ATSUM's deliberation, it said.

The statement of KRSU, KSA and HAS in the name of the tribe without the least knowledge of the basis of the formation of ATSUM is unfounded.

"The ZSUM is serious and welcomes any splinter group to launch an indefinite economic blockade in Zeliangrong areas if they feel they are secured and garnered the support of the people," the ZSUM posed.

At the same time, the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) Chandel district has announced to enforce the ATSUM's economic blockade within its jurisdiction particularly Imphal-Moreh stretch of the NH-2. This, according to a statement issued by the vice-president of KSO Chandel, DM Haokip, is in compliance with the directive given by the KSO (Ghqs).

It therefore urged all concerned not to ferry any goods and commercial items until the blockade is lifted for the betterment of the tribal people of the State.

The KSO also issued a stern warning to all concerned to respect the call.

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