TSA warns to impose 48 hrs Highways bandh
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 12 2014: With the state government remaining adamant on the demand for revocation the order for land acquisition of 3000 acres of land at Haolenphai, Moreh for construction of a Smart City, the Thadou Students Association (TSA) has announced to launch various forms of agitations including the imposition of 48 hours total bandh on all the national highways within Manipur if the demands are not met by midnight of November 18 .

The decision to take up this measure was announced by president of TSA-GHQ, Lamminlun during a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today.

According to the TSA president, a memorandum was earlier submitted to the Chief Minister of the state on October 21 with several points of demand related to the issue.

Even after much assurances have been made, yet no response was received till date from the state government, stated Lamminlun.

Reiterating its points of demand, TSA wants to know whether the reported acquisition of 3000 acres of land at Moreh/Haolenphai is true.

The TSA has thus asked the government to give a clarification on the issue.

On the contrary, if the report is true, then the Government should provide detailed information on the process of land acquisition.

The student body also wanted to know whether all the guidelines pertaining to land acquisition have been complied with.

Lamminlun further said that the Kukis and other tribal peoples' interest, culture, languages, traditions, set-up and land rights should be respected and protected at all cost.

For this, the Government should immediately revoke the plan to acquire land for the proposed Smart City, stated Lamminlun.

He then maintained that in case the Government acquires the land, then the TSA as well as the vast tribal community will consider the Government decision as null and void.

This act of the Government will be considered as a direct insult to the tribals and the TSA would vigorously oppose the move of the Government, said Lamminlun.

Lamminlun further said that the demands of TSA are non-negotiable and they would not entertain any invitation for talks from the side of the Government.

He then told that the TSA is ready to impose bandh in case the Government fails to meet their demands by November 18 and also urged the people of other communities to support the move taken up by the Thadou students to deliver justice and fair treatment to the tribals.

He then added that respect for and protection of the land, culture, customary laws and traditions, identity and extension of the 6 Schedule of the Constitution of India to the hills of Manipur is the need of the hour for the tribals instead of setting up a Smart City.

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