Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 23 2009:
The All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has today asserted that the ongoing economic blockade is imposed in pursuit of their demand which is not meant only for the tribal but for all people of Manipur.
Urging all concerned to bear the difficult and trying phase, a statement issued by the information and publicity secretary of ATSUM, Gaisingam clarifies certain points that concern with the ongoing economic blockade.
ATSUM has raised an objection against the recruitment of some posts in the MLA Secretariat as there is no reservation or relaxation for SC/STs and no roster system is seen anywhere in it, the statement pointed out.
It also pointed out that there are few write-ups in local newspapers (though without mentioning the particulars) that the recruitment in the MLA Secretariat is being personally pursued by the Speaker himself as he has reportedly personal stake in one particular post.
The students' body also urged the Speaker to come clean on the matter by clarifying his position.
The statement also rejected the justification given by the RD and PR Minister who said that reservation is not required as the recruitment in the MSRRDA under the PR and RD department is for contract basis and not by the government department but by an Agency.
The ATSUM also cautions the RD & PR Minister not to ever repeat 'unfounded' accusation like saying that he was being targeted because he belongs to a particular community by allegedly playing 'dirty' community card.
Taking serious note over reports that businessmen in and around Thangal Bazar area are exceedingly hiking prices of their commodities, the ATSUM warns those 'unscrupulous' persons to desist from such practice.
ATSUM always wants to use rational thinking and avoid direct confrontation and physical violence.
But the same should not be taken as its weakness, the statement conveyed while appealing all concerned to be more cooperative and understanding.