KSO on suspension of works on IGT
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, May 06 2013:
The Kuki Students Organisation (KSO-General Headquarters) takes strong exception over the suspension of construction works at Indira Gandhi Tribal (IGT) University at Makhan village under Sadar Hills in Senapati district in the wake of monetary demands by several militant groups.
"The KSO has come to learn that the construction work which started a year and a half ago is presently in a state of turmoil because of vested interest groups.
The KSO had taken a prominent role in the creation of this tribal varsity right from its inception and therefore, does not want to see any problems that could impede its development.
This tribal university has a unique history wherein tribal students struggled for their rights in the face of great adversities.
The varsity is an outcome of tribal solidarity and exertion of tribal rights in the state.
Therefore, the crisis faced by the university at the moment is a matter of concern for the organization," the apex Kuki students' body stated.
Stating these facts, the KSO requests all the militant groups to abstain from making monetary demands and life threatening deeds.
"The KSO does not want to see this hard earned centre of learning in a state of decadence.
The KSO would like to make it clear that any vested interest group that troubles the varsity shall be considered anti-tribal and anti-development.
The UG groups involved must stop immediately before losing credibility in the eyes of the public," it added.
The KSO also learnt that the Amarkantak University where the IGTU is being affiliated has meted out step-motherly treatment to the varsity in all aspects of development.
The tribal students in the state will not take this injustice lying down and shall take all necessary measures to rectify the wrongs.
As such the Amarkantak University is advised to tread carefully otherwise it will face punitive and legal action in civil courts.
The KSO also appeals to the state government to take keen interest in the administration and development of this tribal varsity.
It should provide water tight security to let the construction works go undisturbed.
The KSO will hold the government responsible for any lapse in the security of the construction workers who are under constant threat from UG groups.
"It is the undying hope and desire of the KSO to see the IGTU developed into a full-fledged university, which will cater to the educational needs of poor and backward tribal students who cannot afford to go to Manipur University or other universities outside of the state," the KSO said.
The KSO also appeals the IGTU Students' Union to be steadfast in their struggle to make the varsity a well administered and functional institution.
The KSO will be there to support the union in all times to come, it said.
The KSO reiterates that the militant groups must discontinue any monetary demand and stop threatening lives of the construction workers.
Every tribal student has a stake in this university and therefore should come out to protect it at all costs, it added.
"The construction company which is undertaking the development of the university is also advised to execute works in earnest without any fear.
At the same time, the company must also understand that the KSO will not condone any sub-standard quality in the construction works," the Kuki students' body said.
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