Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 17 2009:
The JACs of Sanjit and Rabina have accused DESAM, ATSUM and the All Manipur Student Guardians' Association for putting up obstacles when the people's movement is in sight of victory.
A joint statement issued by the two JACs claimed that the incumbent Government would certainly taste defeat as the movement is now being waged in five different fronts viz the JACs, the Apunba Lup, student organisations, human right groups and press/media.
The JACs questioned the integrity of the two student organisations and the guardians' association regarding their stance against the class boycott movement whereas they remained mute spectators when students were deprived of formal education for a prolonged period due to curfew imposed by Government in a manner akin to dictatorship.
Observing that every household in the state has students, the JACs inferred that support extended by students to the class boycott movement meant that overwhelming majority of people support the ongoing movement.
Reminding that three student organisations of the state have already joined the movement in the forefront, the JACs asserted that people have started asking whether the Govern-ment was resorting to divide and rule policy by using two other student organisations and the guardians' association.
They further reminded that the AMSU, MSF and KSA joined the people's movement underscoring the paramount importance of right to live over right to education under the prevailing situation of Manipur.
No student could continue reading his/her books if the neighbouring house has caught fire, the JACs asserted while questioning validity or purpose of pursuing education if the students are to be shot dead after completing their education.
Addressing those individuals who have been speaking against the movement, the JACs asked whether they would call for suspension of class boycott or join such movement in case any of their family members get killed in similar manner like Sanjit and Rabina.
Quoting post mortem reports as published in some sections of media, the JACs asserted that Rabina was shot dead from long distance with a rifle while Sanjit was shot dead from zero range with a small arm.
Apparently referring to the guardians' association, DESAM and ATSUM, the JACs lamented that over their alleged lack of knowledge and understanding about the movement as if they came from another planet.
The JACs asked the motive behind excluding any agenda and decision on the July 23 killing at the meeting organised by AMSGA on October 14 .
It was quite unfortunate that those people, though living in Manipur, were unaware of the issues and events happening in the state, they remarked.
Majority of the speakers addressing the function were Government employees, school teachers, school managers/founders and boarding proprietors.
Though they spoke as if they were the only ones concerned with the welfare of students, they were guided by their own interests.
This was testified by the reluctance of every one to be convenor of the 21 member working committee, the JACs alleged
After the Government's attempt to derail the movement by using its agents masked as guardians failed, the Government has started instigating two student bodies.
People have started asking whether the two student bodies have been bought over by the Government.
Reacting to the statement of DESAM and ATSUM that "it would not be acceptable to jeopardise the career of students because of the battle against the dumb and blind Government", the JACs alleged that the statement was like donkeys barking in place of dogs.
It would have been more appropriate had the statement been made by the Government or Congress workers, they said.
The JACs asked the two student bodies what kind of benefits the Government gave them for challenging the people.
Asking all concerned not give comments on the issue just for the sake of some personal/organisational benefits, the JACs stated that 'they' may stay away from the issue.
It would have been more acceptable if they convened a meeting on the July 23 fake encounter rather on the ongoing class boycott movement.
The JACs further whether the two student bodies can bear responsibility for any killing in future in the event of the proposed meeting at Khuman Lampak resolves to re-open classes.
If they are not in a position to take such responsibility, it would be more prudent to call off the meeting.
The JACs further appealed to all to bear with the hardships at least until the movement achieves its goal so that there may be peace and education made a free zone.