ATSUM (ES) against ROTO stir
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 11 2013: Even as ATSUM under the leadership of Tombing is all set to launch its second phase of agitation under ROTO with effect from this midnight, another group of tribal students with the same name, ATSUM under the presidentship of Emboi Serto has issued a press statement today saying that agitation under ROTO would not be supported by ATSUM and the tribal people.

Marahang Ngiimai, General Secretary of ATSUM said in a statement that the Union (ATSUM) is compelled to issue the press statement as the tribal people have been misled and misinformed about the various issues demanded under ROTO by some individuals under the name and style of ATSUM.

The ATSUM statement reasoned that the atmosphere must not be disturbed by resorting to call bandhs and blockades and other forms of agitation like banning of all national projects in the State at a time when ATSUM has been initiating to find ways and means to bring the disgruntled group to the mainstream.

ATSUM has appealed the Govt on various issues for the last many years and today the Govt has already sanctioned for the construction of Polytechnic Colleges for Senapati and Bishnupur while the rest of the districts would follow soon.

Ngiimai said that the Centre has already given its approval for setting up BEd Colleges in the entire hill districts and the construction work would begin before March 2014 .

The Govt has also promised to look into the shortage of teachers in the hills especially Science and Maths teachers under RUSA and there is programme for developing infrastructures at higher secondary schools, Ngiimai said while adding that four new colleges would be set up at Tamei, Tipaimukh, Phungyar and Sugnu.

The Govt has also assured to look into the various problems faced by health centres in the hills, M Ngiimai stated.

Saying that ATSUM is not supporting the Govt, Ngiimai reasoned that "we must be thankful if the demands/requests are accepted" while adding that the Govt should be given time so that all the rightful demands may be fulfilled step by step.

The so called ATSUM need not to call any type of agitation under the code name ROTO as the name itself does not merit the style of agitation called for, Ngiimai asserted while adding that instead they should mobilise the people and enlighten them about the issues where the tribal are neglected and marginalised.

The statement further reiterated that the banning of National projects would not be supported by the ATSUM and the tribal people.

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