ATSUM stirs again 48 Hrs bandh, 5 day eco-blockade called
After the lull, comes the proverbial storm
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, March 14 2011:
Miffed with the "lackadaisical attitude" of the State Government on its demands, the influential All Tribal Students' Union Manipur (ATSUM) has intensified its on-and-off agitation by resorting to a series of agitation with a 48-hour total bandh in all the tribal areas in Manipur from midnight of March 21 and a 5-day (extendable indefinitely) economic blockade from midnight of March 23 on both National and State highways.
The 3-point resolution was arrived at in a 'presidential council' meeting convened today at its office.
The meeting discussed and vetted the "unfinished agenda and demands placed before the State Government".
"Due to the lackadaisical attitude of the State Government of Manipur over the rightful and justified demands of the tribal peoples, the following (3-point) decisions are adopted unanimously," said ATSUM president Thomas Taishya and Apao Haokip.
The 3-point resolutions adopted are: first, the enforcement of closure of Government institutions in all the hill districts of Manipur which was suspended following the holding of Cultural Exchange Program recently will recommence with more vigor from today.
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Second, a resolution has been adopted for the execution of 48-hour total bandh in all the tribal areas (both plain and hills) with effect from midnight March 21 till midnight March 23 next.
Third, a 5-day economic blockade will be imposed on all National and State highways of the State from midnight March 23 till midnight March 28 next which is extendable indefinitely if the demands of the tribal students' body are not met by this time.
ATSUM has been demanding rectification on issues like inadvertent evading of the Rules of the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Post and Service (for SC and ST) Act, 2007 and its objection to 200 point roster as against the earlier 100 points.
Extension of the service of contract basis teachers in the hill districts for one academic year, discrimination of STs in the promotion of Leading Firemen, the issue of Chief Engineer in PHED,etc.
It has also been demanding the revocation of the State Cabinet decision to post senior Manipur Civil Service officer as Executive Director of DRDA without due.