Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Aug 05:
Vehemently condemning the thrashing of two aided-college teachers last night by armed persons identifying themselves as KYKL activists All manipur Government Aided College Teachers' Association (AMGACTA) reacted critically to the violent action.
Pouring out their angst on the incident during a media briefing at Airport Road Hotel Excellency today AMGACTA representatives highlighting their pitiable service condition questioned whether the armed outfit could fulfil their demands and aspiration in serving the students in a more conducive atmosphere.
Taking grim note of Association's vice president L Sarat and general secretary M Somorendro inflicted grievous wound by the armed activists last night, representatives of the teachers' body asserted that they would not cow down to threat and intimidation.
AMGACTA spokesperson Th Shamo of Kakching Khunou College stated that members of the teachers' community have conveyed their shock and despair on the incident.
Highlighting their plight he said of the Government-aided colleges in the state the Govt has approved only one teacher for each department which is highly disproportionate.
The meagre monthly entitlement provided to an approved teacher since 1987 is being split among the teachers, he said and informed there are still many members whose monthly return is limited to Rs 500 only.
He expressed that due to such compelling factors AMGACTA opted to agitate since June 21 in pursuit of its demands which were assured by previous Governments as well.
Asserting that KYKL's harsh action in nothing short of subjugating the entire teacher community, Shamo contended that neither is the KYKL threat asking AMGACTA to call off the proposed bandh acceptable at this juncture nor would such reprisal compel the Association to relent from its present stand.
Reminding that many prominent citizens occupying important and responsible post today includes product of hard work and dedication of aided-college teachers, Shamo ridiculed absolute ignorance of their contribution to the society especially from an organisation like KYKL who had embraced ethos of quality education as frontline armoury to save the people from further subjugation.
Similar to role of a good teacher in producing quality students teachers too need energy to carrying their tasks which ultimately depends on the power of purchasing food, an emotional Shamo said.
Silence of the armed outfit to national highway blockade by Jiribam units of AMSU and DESAM, and the burning down of State Library building reducing to cinders valuable literary works by MEELAL activists during the Meitei Mayek agitation were cited as some distinct discriminatory attitude of KYKL who had prohibited bandhs or general strikes.
While proclaiming that there would no change to the 48 hour general strike from August 10 midnight, Shamo also listed 197 teaching and 120 non-teaching staffs as current strength of approved employees serving in the seven aidedcolleges.
Number of unapproved employees run upto 550, he added.
Chipping in during the media interaction other members cautioned that in case the proposed general strike do not evoke positive response more intense agitation, including mass resignation would be held.
Contending that before the two AMGACTA office bearers were assaulted the suspected abductors were seen in Keishampat area in an unregistered motorcycle, they questioned how could such elements not conforming to vehicle rule escape glare of the security personnel.
Thambal Marik College lecturer L Jamuna expressed concern whether State authorities are engaging persons with doubtful characters to gag and trample the democratic rights of the citizens in general and teacher community in particular.
She went to the extent of stating that in case KYKL considers the demands of the Government aided-college teachers as unjustifiable, the teachers would not hesitate to congregate at any particular place and time so that the armed outfit could carry out their wishes with convenience.