KSO, ATSUM demands immediate release of its leaders; Guv La Ganesan recommends consideration of Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council Bill, 2022

Ukhrul: Following the announcement of a 24-hour total shutdown called by All Tribals Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) against the ignorant behavior towards the tribal for not tabling the HAC recommended ADC Bill 2021, the Manipur government on Tuesday arrested ATSUM executive members along with the president and general secretary, namely Dr. John Pulamte, Thomas Tayshia, Ngachonmi Chamroy and a fourth person, (unidentified as of now) who were reportedly arrested from Seth’s residence by the Imphal West Police.

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Denouncing the undemocratic act by the state government, the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) General Headquarters and ATSUM in a press release said that if the leaders of ATSUM are not released today unconditionally before 6:00 PM, an emergency shutdown shall be imposed in all Kuki dominated areas.

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According to a report in The Hills Journal, a Churachandpur based news portal, volunteers of KSO Sadar Hills, TSA Sadar Hills, Zillai, and others have started blocking the National Highway from 7:00 PM onwards at Kangpokpi town. Vehicles including trucks are reported to have been stranded owing to the emergency shutdown. A similar emergency shutdown has also been reported in Churachandpur and Moreh by the respective district KSOs.

It may be mentioned that the Governor of Manipur, La Ganesan on Monday, in an official order under Clause (3) of Article 207 of the Constitution of India, recommending the Manipur Legislative Assembly the consideration of the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2022.

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Update: Emergency shutdown underway in Ukhrul and Kamjong Districts by Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) as per source.