IMPHAL, November 14: The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) under the leadership of Emboi Serto will impose an indefinite hill districts bandh from the midnight of November 19, 2013, if the state government fails to rectify their order regarding the appointment of chowkidar-cum-peons for the Autonomous District Councils (ADC).
In a press release jointly issued by its president Emboi Serto and general secretary Marahang Ngiimai, ATSUM stated that it is very much concerned by the government order wherein recruitment or appointment of Grade III & IV posts under District Council were to follow after obtaining approval from the Tribal Affairs & Hills Department, Government of Manipur and imposing of 200 point rooster as per the reservation policy of the state government.
Government is talking about devolution of powers to the ADC but does this restriction, resolutions and orders really devolution of power or centralization of powers, said the press release.
It further added that if at all the government insists on conducting the DPC by strictly following the 200 point rooster than what is the use of having the Manipur Hills Area District Council Act. The government must also understand that ADC is an autonomous body not a government department which has its own Act and rules, added the release.
In this regards, ATSUM has already submitted a memorandum to the government. If the Government still insist on its earlier order than ATSUM will be compelled to go for an indefinite hill district bandh and will not compromise on the issue until and unless the government rectifies the orders, stated the press release.
Another press release signed by ATSUM general secretary, Marahang Ngiimai, informed that ATSUM has nominated two new members as executives namely Shimthar Jajo as Secretary Rights & Reservation and Ch Shangreipam as Secretary External Affairs.
Their oath taking and installation was administrated by Adani David Mao, Speaker of ATSUM at its office at New Lambulane added the press release.
ATSUM has intensified its stir on halting construction work of railways after calling an indefinite agitation in the Hill districts head quarters of the state from November 17 midnight, said spokesperson of ATSUM Majabung Gangmei.
In the press meet at its Nagaram Head Office of the ATSUM under the president of Muan Tombing, the Spokesperson added that ATSUM had a meeting with CM O Ibobi in his chamber this evening.
But instead of discussion with CM O Ibobi, they were asked to talk first with the ministers, MLAs and Hill area committees members of their motive beforehand. The ATSUM walked out from the CM Chamber and the meet was not convened, said Majabung.
He added that they have been already halting the railway construction works from mid night of November 11, 2013. In the continuation of the agitation ATSUM will intensify suspended agitations in hill districts of Manipur from mid night of November 17 2013.
He said that this agitation could take any form or happen anywhere, without sticking to particular activities, said Majabung Gangmei.
He added that ATSUM is not delighted at launching agitations but the government has been ignoring the demand for development of hills people parallel to the rest of the state.
ATSUM strongly condemns the Ministers, MLAs and Hill Area Development committee member representing the hills for not voicing their grievances of the hill people and issues of the tribals.
Recently, in the DPC conducted for the recruitment of Peon-cum-Chawkidar for the ADC , the ADC Act 1971 Section 32 rule 45 was violated, said Majabung.
The recent government order for 200 point of Roster policy is against the spirit of the autonomous council and devolution of power to the councils.
