Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, January 07:
The All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has joined the indefinite economic blockade imposed on National Highway39 and NH-53 by the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM).
ANSAM said that it will fully endorse the ATSUM sponsored indefinite agitation.
While spelling out its reasons to Newmai News Network today, ANSAM said that after calculating all the recent development in the State, the student body appreciated the stern steps taken by All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM), who have sacrificed for the 'lesser people'.
The information and publicity secretary of the student body, Souni Khapa said that they are not demanding anything this time but expressing their dissatisfaction against the Ibobi Singh led SPF government for refusing to fulfil the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the State Government and ATSUM.
"The launching of the recent State wide general strike/bandh and the staging of the indefinite economic blockade on both the National Highways by ATSUM is none other than to display their deep anger for betraying the tribal community by the Ibobi led SPF Government." On September 20 this year, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the ATSUM and SPF Government led by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in which the CM made tall promises to the ATSUM that 50% in the appointment of graduate teachers would be reserved for the tribals.
However, it turned out to be a dead paper which is fit to be 'disposed into the trash bin of history,' fumed ANSAM statement.
It further stated that another point of the MoU was a request to convene the Assembly sitting so as to pass the bill but Ibobi Singh refused to do so.
At the same time, ANSAM points its accusing fingers to Chief Minister O.Ibobi Singh saying that the latter was insincere in his behaviour and attitude towards the tribals.
It further stated that the chief minister should be held responsible for any untoward eventuality created out of the ongoing economic blockade "as he is the main cause of all these happenings".