Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 04:
The All Tribal Students' Union manipur has announced that the proposed indefinite economic blockade along all the National Highways has been enforced from midnight today.
In a statement, that conveyed gratitude to all concerned for supporting the general strike which ended today, ATSUM contended that failure of the State Government to honour its demands had forced it to impose the economic blockade.
Appealing to truck owners and drivers against defying the blockade call, ATSUM observed that neglected issues of the tribal people, especially the tribal students have to be addressed without any delay.
The demands placed before the State Govt by the student body concerns translation of the MoU into deed, and address issues pertaining to backlog, reservation, vacancies, recruitment policy and other benefits of the ST students.
Reminding that Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had assured to redress the plight and grievances of the tribal students but is yet to act accordingly, ATSUM also ridiculed the State Govt's decision to conduct written test (January 5) for recruitment of primary teachers of Chandel and Senapati districts at Imphal.
In case the written test goes ahead Secretary of BSEM and the Commissioner (Education) would be held responsible for any untoward incident, it added.
ATSUM also proclaimed baa n on Govt-related functions in tribal areas, and boycott of Ministers and ruling party MLAs.
Meanwhile, the Kuki Students' Organisation has stated that it supports the cause taken up by ATSUM and urged the Govt to act positively on the 'just demands' of the student body.
Our Ukhrul correspondent reports that the 24 hour general strike called by ATSUM was a total success in Ukhrul with shops, Govt offices, schools remaining closed and road deserted.