IMPHAL, February 1: The All Tribal Student’s Manipur (ATSUM) Tribal market, New Nambulan has threatened to impose economic blockade in the hill districts from February 16 in protest against the indifferent attitude of the state government on various issues confronting tribal communities.
The statement was made by Marahang Ngimii General Secretary of ATSUM, during a sit-in-protest held infront of MBC church Chingmeirong organised by the ATSUM.
Marahang Ngimii, said that ATSUM has been trying to convince the government to look into the affairs of the tribal communities on various issue but nothing has been materialised so far.
“ATSUM have waited patiently for the Government to act and fulfill its promises. But, rather the government has taken us for granted for too long”, opined Marahang.
Informing that ATSUM has started with fresh protest movement from today, he divulged that the sit in protest was its first leg of its movement which will be followed by poster campaign.
If the Government fails to address the issues which have been highlighted it would resort to imposing economic blockade from February 16, he said adding that ATSUM will not be responsible for whatever action that might follow in its course of actions and agitation.
The charters of demands of the ATSUM included making rules for Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in post & services (for SC&ST) Amendment Act 2007, separate directorate of education to look after the affairs of the Hills in Education department, to materialise devolution of powers to ADC, to look into the shortcomings faced in Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, contract teachers and rationalisation, police boundaries etc.