Imphal, May 28: The Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) has laid down its condition to lift the economic blockade imposed on NH-39 since yesterday night.

In an exclusive talk with The Sangai Express, president of SDSA S Isaac disclosed that the blockade will continue until the 'non-local' primary teachers appointed under the North Autonomous District Council, Senapati are removed.

Before such agitation was launched and when the appointment procedures were initiated, the Senapati District Students' Association had appealed to the authority concerned to appoint only local candidates besides serving an ultimatum to revoke the appointment orders of other non-locals appointed earlier, said Isaac.

When asked of the number of non-local teachers appointed so far, he said that there are 5/6 non-local teachers and hastened to add that they must be removed immediately.

Disclosing that there has been no initiative for any kind of talk or negotiation from the side of Government, Isaac said that in addition to the economic blockade other modes of agitation may be launched soon.

On the other hand, Principal Secretary of TD/Hills PC Lawmkunga informed The Sangai Express that as of now, the State Government has not adopted any decision to revoke the appointment of the non-local teachers.

Moreover there is not even a remote possibility to revoke the orders as there is no such rule in the statute book to appoint only locals, added the Principal Secretary.

Saying that appointment of primary teachers under other District Councils was also done under the same principle, he noted that if there should be revocation or readjustment, it should be applied to the other District Councils too.

It is reported that Minister of TD/Hills Phungzathang Tonsing held minute discussion on the matter with the Advocate General yesterday after which it was resolved to refer the issue to the Minister of Law.

Meanwhile, on account of the economic blockade on NH-39 more than 18 trucks are being stranded at Mao gate, said a police source.

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