IMPHAL, MAY 15 (NNN): All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has announced a statewide shutdown on May 17 starting 6:00 am to protest against what it termed as the “indifferent attitude” of the Manipur government.
However, a statement jointly signed by ATSUM President, Joseph R Hmar and General Secretary, Vareiyo Shatsang lauded the Government of Manipur on Saturday for addressing the grievances of the tribals, especially in Education Department and JNIMS – 418 Assistant Professors and 714 part-time lecturers were regularised.
The union also submitted a representation to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh urging him for prompt redressal of the unfulfilled charter of demands raised by the union. It pointed out that the Government of Manipur has “procrastinated” most of the charter of demands tabled in the course of the official discourse on October 22, 2014.
The union stated that piles of memorandum have been submitted to the Chief Minister of Manipur for redressal of grievances. Appointments sought are dumped to the dismay of the union, it added.
It was further stated that the union does not encourage bandh, blockade or any form of agitation at this crucial juncture of social upheaval to further widen the rift between the hills and the valley. However, having run out of patience, the union in its executive meeting held on May 10, 2016 resolved to call the statewide bandh on May 17 from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm to protest against the “indifferent attitude” of the Government of Manipur.
The charter of demands of the union include separate State Commission for ST under Article 338 – A of the Indian Constitution, issuance of offer forms to 217 Higher Secondary lecturers recommended by MPSC, declaration of the result of 280 Assistant Professors conducted under MPSC, B. Ed centres in the hills, regularisation of Ad-hoc teachers, tribal quota in Manipur Legislative Assembly, bifurcation of power to Additional Director Hills Education(s), and transfer of Land Records.
