Many back ATSUM's bandh call
Source: The Sangai Express

Ukl/Kpi/Cdl/Tpl, August 22 2021: A large number of hill based student bodies from both the Naga community and Kuki tribes have backed the 24 hours bandh called by the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur from midnight of August 22 to midnight of August 23 to pressurise the State Government to table the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill-2021, which has been proposed by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC).

Backing the bandh call, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), Ukhrul said it has taken serious note of the indifferent attitude of the State Government to the Bill proposed by the HAC.

The failure to address the Bill of the HAC infringes on the rights of the hill people and Article 371 (C) of the Constitution of India, said TKS.

The student body also urged the people of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts to extend their maximum co-operation during the 24 hour total shut down.

Striking the same stand, the Kuki Students' Organization, Sadar Hills has also backed the shutdown call of ATSUM.

In a statement, KSO, Sadar Hills said that it is strongly against the failure of the State Government to table "The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill, 2021", recommended by the HAC in the ongoing Assembly session.

The proposed Bill is in the interest of not only the tribals but also the whole State since it is meant to develop the Hill Areas under the provisions of Article 371 (C) of the Constitution, it said.

The Government's attitude exposes its 'majori- tarian attitude', it alleged and questioned whether the trumpeted call to develop the hill areas is simply lip service.

Constantly obstructing development of the hill areas will further divide the Hills and Valley, which the present dispensation is claiming to have bridged while adding if the Government continues to oppose development in the Hill Areas, slogans such as "Chingmi Tammi Amatani" holds no water.

While appealing to all the Transport Associations, including owners of private vehicles, and the public to extend cooperation during the said bandh, KSO Sadar Hills cautioned that any untoward incident out of failure to comply with the call will be the sole responsibility of the violators and the State Government.

The Naga Students' Union, Chandel, All Manipur Tribal Union, Kuki Students' Organisation, Tengnoupal district have also backed the bandh call of ATSUM.

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