Racial remark slur on Nasir : ATSUM highlights issue to chief of NCST
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, May 04 2014: The All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has submitted a representation to Dr Rameshwar Oraon, Chairman of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, New Delhi demanding immediate action against Md Abdul Nasir, Agriculture Minister, Government of Manipur as per Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste (prevention of atrocities) Act, 1989 for his alleged racial discrimination and atrocities meted out against a tribal Zonal Education Officer/District project officer of Thoubal district, Manipur.

According to ATSUM (Muan Tombing), on the fateful day of April 24 at around 5.30 pm, David Tualzathang, ZEO/BDO Thoubal district as summoned over the phone by the Agricultural Minister went to meet the latter at his official quarters.

The Minister had asked the ZEO whether the school management and Development Committee (SMDC) of Laiphrakpam Laishram Mamang Leikai Primary School, Lilong was approved by him.

When the ZEO replied in the affirmative, the Minister stood up and physically assaulted him landing blows and verbally hurling offensive and discriminatory words.

According to ATSUM, the Minister had also said that the ZEO should be posted at his own district Churachandpur and not in Thoubal valley.

The tribal officer was even told to adhere to the Minister's instruction and not to follow the SSA's guideline which is why Centrally sponsored flagship programmes and schemes are being misappropriated and adjusted in the name of local adjustment, alleged the tribal student body.

Further, the tribal officer was ordered to file an FIR by the Minister against the incumbent SMDC by saying that his (the officer's) signature was obtained under coercion and intimidation at gunpoint.

ATSUM stated, "Whereas, the unbecoming act and savagery of a people's representative is also neither desirable nor tolerable in the largest democracy in the worlkd.

With the inalienable rights enshrined in the Constitution of the country of India wherein the scheduled castes/tribes are protected and safeguarded under prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989.Clause X of chapter-II under offences and atrocities says 'intentional insults or intimidations with intent to humiliate a member of a scheduled caste or scheduled tribe in any place is punishable" .

The student body has fervently beseeched to initiate prompt action against the 'rowdy minister' who has a history of assaulting and manhandling tribal and non-tribal officers at regular intervals.

Frequent occurrence of insane act and hurling of verbal abuse on communal line is a sensitive issue in Manipur that may trigger animosity between two minor communities, ATSUM stated.

The tribal student union while condemning the reckless and wanton display of the minister at the highest ceiling to avoid further complication said that the Minister should resign from his post on moral ground and that if the demand is not addressed, then, the union would be compelled to spearhead democratic agitations to see that justice is delivered.

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