IMPHAL, June 28: The All Tribal Students` Union Manipur (ATSUM) has said in a press release that ATSUM is encouraged to contribute its mite in accelerating development in the Hill Areas of Manipur with all and sundry by the follow-up implementations of the agreement reached between the ATSUM and the Govt. of Manipur represented by the Chief Minister and all his Council of Ministers on June 12 at the CM chamber. However, the ATSUM is duty bound to reiterate its demands especially on the setting up of separate State Commission for ST, laws pertaining to effective Governance of the Hill Areas and other unfulfilled agreements in Health and Education Sectors, it informed while adding that because of the prolonged negligence of the State Govt. to the Tribal
Areas, an all out effort and empathy is required from all the sections of the state.
Stating that all these informed initiatives will go a long way in strengthening the interest of the State as a whole, it said that ATSUM is perturbed by the recent developments to further disunite the tribal societies in Manipur.
Some forces have been colluding to ignite confrontations amongst the peoples in the hill districts for
their selfish ends, it pointed out and continued that it is also cautioned that such forces are becoming desperate in the form of some student leaders past and present. ATSUM hereby appeals to one and all not to be misled by such evil designs of frauds and impersonation.
ATSUM under the leadership of Muan Tombing and Vareiyo Shatsang is supported by hill districts
Students organizations like the Churachandpur District Students` Union (CDSU), Zeliangrong
Students` Union Manipur (ZSUM), Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), Thadou Students` Association
General head Quarter (TSA-GHQ), soon to joint Students` organizations of Chandel District, it said and added that (since NSUC is dissolved right now), Kom Students` Union Manipur (KSUM), Manipur University Tribal Students` Union (MUTSU), Indira Gandhi National Tribal University Students` Union (IGNTUSU),AII College Tribal Students` Organisation Manipur (ACTSOM), All Tribal Students` Federation (ATSF) and other tribal based civil organizations like the All Tribal Disable Union Manipur (ATDUM), Kuki Mother Association Manipur (KMAM), All India Tribal Student Federation (AITSF)etc. In consultation with all the above mentioned organisations the ATSUM is prepared to move for the securing of rights and benefits long due to the tribal in Manipur.
We are pained to openly admit that some Senapati district based student organisations still have
reservation to extend active support to the present team of ATSUM for reasons best known to them, it pointed out while adding that some student leaders from this area have even gone to the extent of organising a proxy so-call ATSUM election as unashamedly put up in local papers and this kind of irresponsible action is demeaning the very concept of having student organisations which generally is apolitical.
ATSUM wants to make this massage loud and clear that those forces involved will not get away with it, it noted and added that the tribal people for whom ATSUM has been steadfastly working are not going to be fooled by such degrading manoeuvre while seeking the continued unflinching support from all the people of the state to bring about a better and brighter tomorrow