Senapati: With continuation of the ongoing total shutdown called by the apex tribal student bodies including the ATSUM, ANSAM and the KSO-GHQ, the hill districts of Manipur wore a deserted look on all shops and business establishments in all hill districts till 6 pm of August 4.
With no positive outcome to release of the arrested student leaders, the apex student bodies have extended the ongoing 24-hour total shutdown till 6 am of August 5.
Vanlallin Khaute, vice president, ATSUM while briefing media persons at Senapati stated that the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council 6th & 7th Amendment Bill, 2022 was rejected in the floor of the assembly because it imposed controversial bill that does not follow the due process and undermines the power and function of the HAC. It also defeats the intent and spirit of Article 371 (C) of the constitution of India.
Also read | Tribal Students’ Union calls 24 hr total shutdown on 3-4 August in Manipur hill districts
“It has truly hurt the collective sentiments of the tribal community of the state and is highly unacceptable,” he said. “The tribal leaders who were deceitfully arrested by the Manipur police in the pretext of invitation for a meeting is nothing but rubbing the wounds. Such unholy and unbecoming act of the government should be condemned by all the tribal MLAs in the assembly and ask for unconditional release of ATSUM leaders,” he stated.
In the latest press release issued from Information & Publicity Wing, ATSUM, it stated that due to the autocratic attitude of the state Govt, no amicable solution has been arrived so far on ADC Bill impasse.
“Therefore, the total shutdown is stated to continue till 6 am of August 5. After which, economic blockade shall be imposed in all hill areas until and unless our demand is made. That, the Hill Areas Committee members and state Govt shall be solely held responsible for any untoward incident in the aftermath,” the release stated.
The tribal student bodies urged and appealed the general public to kindly cooperate and support the movement.
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