KANGPOKPI, August 2: Pertaining to the various racism and physical attacks on the people from the North Eastern States in other parts of the country affecting the sentiments of the people seriously, the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur has decided to issue Identity Card starting from August 16 to all non-locals staying and doing business in the Hill areas and travelling to and fro across the Hill districts, asserted ATSUM Education secretary, Kakam Haokip.
He also added that the move has also been initiated to find how many of non-locals are in the State and for what purpose and for their safety as well.
Kakam continued that every non-locals will be subject to physical verification anywhere and those found without identity card will be compelled to pay fines and liable to detention for verification by ATSUM and its volunteers.
While appealing to get themselves registered to avoid misunderstanding, Kakam Haokip said that all the non-locals coming to the Hills must obtain the Identity Card from sources.
He further informed that every person above ten years old must register adding that the Identity Cards will be available in the entire hill districts and in the Information Centre at New Lambulane which will require two passport size photograph and details of all family members must be provided at the time of registration.
In the meantime, ATSUM pointed out that due to recent agitation for implementation of ILP in the state by various civil societies organization there has been serious implication on the students.
Appealing the government to look into the matter seriously and come up with a definite and positive stand the tribal student apex body urged the agitating organisations not to involve the students’ community as it will directly affect the students mentally and physically.
While strongly condemning the Police action on the agitating students using force without any restrain, ATSUM asserted that rally and protest are due to the peoples’ discontentment against the government and if it is peaceful it should be allowed and the police should act more responsibly and reasonably.