KSO suspends strike, blockade
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 21 2013: Respon-ding to the assurance of Chief Minister O Ibobi to carry forward the backlog of 474 ST posts in the ensuing recruitment of 2000 numbers of Manipur Police Constables, and also to take immediate action regarding the backlog of 28 different posts in Manipur Housing Corporation Limited, KSO Ghqs has temporarily suspended its 24 hours general strike as well as the proposed indefinite economic blockade.

Speaking to media persons at Kuki Inn this afternoon, KSO general secretary Sasang Vaiphei conveyed that the Chief Minister gave his assurance during a meeting with KSO representatives in the presence of IFC Minister Ngamthang Haokip.

During the meeting which lasted for almost one hour and a half, KSO leaders highlighted the grievances of tribal people, specially in reservation policy and deprivation of tribal rights.

The KSO also urged the Chief Minister to seriously look into the matter of unfair means being used in the current recruitment process.

Aspiring candidates of the current recruitment process are being charged Rs three lakhs if they happen to be ST candidates and Rs five lakhs if the candidates belong to general category.

This is an open secret known to public.

Highlighting all these malpractices, the KSO demanded the State Government to replace all the DPC members of the current recruitment board with sincere and competent officers to usher transparency in governance, Sasang conveyed.

The backlog of 474 posts in the recruitment process held during February 20, 2008 and December 10, 2008 was not due to non-availability of suitable and eligible candidates but due to inability on the part of ST candidates to offer bribe, KSO asserted.

As the recruitment process is going on, KSO leaders did not set any deadline.

However, if the Chief Minister's assurance is not translated into action, all the suspended agitation would resume, Sasang said.

Notably, KSO had called a 24 hours general strike from 5 am today which would be followed by indefinite blockade from this midnight.

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