Many support ATSUM's 'solidarity rally' today
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal/Kangpokpi:, May 02 2023:
The Sadar Hills Tribals Union on Land and Forest (SHITULF) extended full support to the "solidarity rally" to be organised by All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) on Wednesday in all the hill districts of the state.
SHITULF stated that ATSUM's proposed solidarity rally is in protest against the state government s mishandling of various policies afflicting the rights and interests of the tribal people.
It considered the demand of some Meitei organisations for scheduling of the majority and an advanced Meitei community as ST as an "illegitimate demand" and a direct threat to the existence of the already marginalised, suppressed and minority tribals of Manipur.
The Union then said that the demand for ST by the Meitei community cannot be accepted at any cost.
SHITULF continued that the recent unrest in the hill districts due to reserved forests and protected forests issue is a threat to the security and existence of the hill tribal people, which the tribals take as an attempt to grab tribals' land by way of majoritarian and political powers.
The policy of the state government in this regard amounts to total disregard for the provisions of the Indian Forests Act, 1927, and other Forest Acts passed by the government from time to time, it added.
"We want the rule of law in accordance with the provisions of the Acts and the Constitution, the union demanded.
"SHITULF feels it indispensable to stand up against the injustice meted out to tribals with the support of village chiefs, CSOs, and the general public", it added.
The union also appealed to the people of Kangpokpi district to take part in the rally for the success of the rally in the interest of the protection of tribal's rights and land.
Meanwhile, the Tribal Churches Leaders Forum (TCLF), Manipur in its meeting held on Monday unanimously resolved to endorse and convey its solidarity to the upcoming tribal solidarity march on May 3 in all the hill districts of Manipur under the theme "Come now let us reason together".
TCLF stated that the proposed solidarity march is to collectively protect the social, political and religious interests of the tribal people of Manipur, adding that it "firmly believes and fully endorses the clarioh call of ATSUM for a collective and secure future for the tribal people of Manipur".
Anal Lenruwl Tangpi/Anal Naga Students' Union (ALT) and Churachandpur District Private Schools & Colleges Association (CDPSCA) also extended their support to the call of ATSUM for the Tribal Solidarity March in all the hill districts on Wednesday under the theme 'Come now, let us reason together' .
In a release, ALT GHQ, Chandel informed that the Tribal Solidarity March is against the move/demand for inclusion of the Meetei/ Meitei community in the ST category.
The demand of the said community to be included in the ST category is a conspicuous attempt to suppress and subjugate the tribals of Manipur, it said, adding: "Our dream or vision of having a dignified status and to safeguard ourselves from the exploitation of Meetei community, protesting against the said community at this juncture couldn't be avoided at all cost".
ALT further appealed to the public to participate in the March which will start from Indoor Stadium Junction, Chandel district headquarters from 10 am and urged the participants to wear traditional attires.
Similarly, CDPSCA in a release, informed all its members to send students from class X and above, accompanied by their respective teachers to participate in the rally and holiday be declared for the rest of the students.
The rally will start from Lamka Public Ground, Churachandpur from 10.30 am onwards, it added.
In another release, Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) has appealed to the public as well as students of class IX and above to participate in the said rally in the common interest of whole tribal community.
The rally will begin at Senapati Public Ground at 10.00 am on Wednesday.
Shops and traffic will be closed and halted during the course of the rally, it further informed.
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