Imphal, Aug 06: Reacting to the charges levelled by the All Manipur Government Aided College Teachers' Association, in the backdrop of the assault of two of its members, the proscribed KYKL today replied to the charges point by point.

Referring to the statement of AMGACTA that KYKL did not raise a word when the State Central Library was burnt or when AMSU and DESAM clamped a blockade on NH-53 recently, the commander of ONK of the outfit in a statement said that KYKL has never banned the destruction of Government properties or the imposition of blockades on the highways.

KYKL also questioned what AMGACTA knows about its stand on the burning down of the library and added whether condemning the incident in the newspapers is the only way to go about it.

Moreover it should not be forgotten that the movement launched by MEELAL was a people's movement and the agitation launched by AMSU and DESAM involved the interest of the student community, unlike AMGACTA which is only about a handful of teachers.

Admitting that KYKL has not been able to put a total stop to all bandhs and general strikes, the statement said that it is due to the extremely complicated political situation.

The KYKL had never imposed a ban on bandhs called in the interest of all the people.

Stating that Manipur is choking under the growing culture of imposing a bandh or general strike for even trivial issues, the outfit said that if such a trend is not stopped, it would sound the deathknell of the Manipuri society.

In fact situation may come to such a pass that even 300/400 people who cannot find their life partners may come together and impose a bandh to demand their partners, said KYKL.

On the contention that KYKL had picked out a soft target like the AMGACTA, the outfit questioned why it did not heed the earlier appeal not to call the general strike.

Instead of complying, AMGACTA went ahead and announced the 48 hours general strike, said KYKL and countered whether AMGACTA was picking out a hard target.

Reacting to the stand of AMGACTA that KYKL should give their demands if they are against the agitation, the statement said, "You have suffered for the last 20/30 years.

Suffer for another 20/30 years and KYKL will fulfil all your demands once independence is achieved." If the Government does not give in to the demands of AMGACTA even after the 48 hours general strike then AMGACTA should compensate for the loss of the 48 hours, said KYKL.

The outfit said that it is not against the agitation launched by AMGACTA but is merely appealing to it not to impose the 48 hours general strike.

Explaining its stand, KYKL said that bandhs and general strikes for each and every sundry reasons, do nothing except take its toll on the common people and the students.

Since the academic pursuits of the students are disturbed often, many parents spend their hard earned money to send their children outside the State for further studies.

This also drains the economy of the State.

Appealing to all to forsake the culture of bandhs and general strikes, KYKL said that the time has come for all to seriously think over the negative impact of such a trend and urged all to work towards a society where human resources can be tapped and developed.

Comment