ATSUM temporarily suspends economic blockade; agitation to continue

Our Correspondent

Imphal, Aug 10 (EMN): A day after the Manipur government restored mobile data (internet) services following a report of “positive development,” the All Tribal Student Union of Manipur (ATSUM) on Wednesday decided to temporarily suspend the ongoing economic blockade along the National Highways in the hill areas with immediate effect.

However, the student body resolved to further continue the agitation with other forms of democratic agitations.

The decision to “temporarily suspend the economic blockade” along the highways was decided during an emergency meeting of the student body with its federating units in Kangpokpi district “considering the plight of the general public” on Wednesday.

The ATSUM’s department of information and publicity in a press communiqué issued on Wednesday reminded the members of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) to clear their position on ‘The Manipur (Hill Areas)Autonomous District Council Bill 2021 in the Manipur legislative assembly. It said the Bill was recommended on August 16 last year.

“Further the state government should honour the Memorandum of Understanding signed with ATSUM on November 25 last year and materialise the same at the earliest time without further derail,” it stated.

Extending gratitude to the All Naga Students’ Association Manipur, Kuki Students’ Organisation (Genera Headquarters), ATSUM federating units, senior leaders and general public for the unflinching support to the union in the genuine demand for realisation of the constitutional rights of the tribals, ATSUM has also appealed all “to continue supporting the movement for securing the future of the tribal populace.”

On Tuesday, the state government restored the mobile data (internet) services following positive development in the state.

On August 8, the five arrested ATSUM leaders were released after signing of an agreement with the Manipur government.

It may be recalled that the mobile internet services were suspended across Manipur to curb rumour mongering through spread of hate speeches and videos, and prohibitory orders imposed in some areas after two vehicles were reportedly set ablaze in Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts.

During the past few days Manipur has seen unrest situation following the arrest of five ATSUM leaders on alleged charges of conspiring to impose economic blockade in the hill districts of Manipur following a 24-hour total shutdown over the non-tabling of the Hill Area Committee(HAC) recommended “The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill 2021” in the assembly. Reports say the bill seeks greater financial and administrative autonomy of the hill region to ensure development.