TKS to enforce ANSAM stir over net ban
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, October 23 2023:
Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) is gearing up to enforce the agitation announced by All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) against the protracted internet shutdown, within the jurisdiction of Ukhrul district headquarters from October 24 .
Talking to The People's Chronicle over the phone on Monday, TKS vice president Omry Ningshen declared that they are all set to picket government offices in Ukhrul town from as early as 7 am on October 24 .
He stated that the apex student body of the district will cany out the agitation by locking down the main gate to the district mini secretariat complex and will not allow any government employees to enter the complex.
TKS had in a statement on Sunday declared that it fully endorsed the directive of ANSAM regarding the agitation in all Naga hill districts of Manipur with immediate effect from October 24 to 25 .
Despite the repeated pleas from ANSAM to both the central and state governments and having failed to respect the office ultimatum and prolonged denying of the basic rights of the citizens, the Saklong will initiate the picketing of government offices within its jurisdiction demanding immediate lifting of the order for internet shutdown and restoring internet connectivity in peacefill areas of the state, and also declaration of the result for the interview held in the month of September, 2021 for the appointment of 190 posts of Assistant Professors (145 + 45 ST special drive) for government colleges of the state at the earliest.
The Saklong will strictly enforce the proposed agitation within its jurisdiction.
Further, it appealed to the government employees and general public for utmost cooperation to fulfil the basic rights of the citizens, it said.
Any untoward incidents due to the provocation by the government employees will be responded promptly by the Saklong and the consequences that follows will be the sole responsibility of the government, it added.
In a press statement, ANSAM stated that the "picketing of government offices" in the hill districts from October 24-25 will be launched as its first step of agitation demanding immediate lifting of the internet shutdown in the state.
ANSAM asserted that internet connectivity should be restored in the peaceful areas of the state and also demanded the declaration of the result for the interview which was held in September 2021 for the appointment of 190 posts of assistant professors for government colleges of Manipur, at the earliest.
The student body further threatened to intensify its agitation if the legitimate demands are not fulfilled by the state government.
The government, according to ANSAM, failed to respect the office ultimatum and assurance given by the chief minister pertaining to blanket banning of internet in the state and representation submitted for declaration of result for recruitment of assistant professors (contractual basis) for government colleges in Manipur.