ATSUM calls blockade on Manipur highways

Correspondent IMPHAL, OCTOBER 20 The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) today announced to call blockade on all State and National Highways in Manipur from October 20 midnight under Reckoning of Others (ROTO). The announcement was made by ATSUM president, Muan Tombing while speaking to newsmen in Imphal this afternoon. President Tombing said that the decision to go ahead with the agitation was taken as the government has failed to take up any steps to address the issues it had promised during a meeting held on November 25 last year. In their November 25 meeting held last year, the state government had given the assurance that the issues put up by ATSUM will be addressed within six months. But till date nothing has been done, ATSUM president said. Recalling the meeting, Tombing said, ‘Back then the Chief Minister himself had said that if the agreement is not implemented then we would be free to take up any course of agitation.” The charter of demands put up by ATSUM include improving the infrastructure in health and education, deployment of adequate man power, good and effective governance, judiciously follow the reservation policy, oppose the new land use policy in the hill districts of Manipur and to protect the land and natural resources of the State. He, however, informed that ATSUM is calling the strike not against any community but for the welfare of the students. Meanwhile, all Manipur Petroleum Tankers’ Drivers Union has appealed to withdraw the stand to call the strike in view of the upcoming festivals in the state. Manipur is all set to celebrate Diwali on October 23 followed by Ningol Chakkouba, the greatest festival of the Manipur on October 25.