Tribal students’ bodies agree to suspend economic blockade

Imphal: Agitating tribal students’ bodies on Thursday agreed to suspend the ongoing economic blockade on national highways in Manipur, following a talk with the government. The state government has also agreed to release all the executives of the agitating bodies arrested by the police.

As many as 11 executives of ATSUM, ANSAM and KSO were arrested by a joint team of police on Wednesday night while they were allegedly disturbing normal movement of loaded vehicles along NH-37 at Nungba Bazar.

ATSUM and its federating units have been imposing indefinite economic blockade on the national highways in Manipur, beginning from November 22 while pressing the state government to summon a special session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly to discuss new Manipur (Hills Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill-2021 recommended by the Hill Areas Committee (HAC) of the State Assembly.

A talk held today between the agitating students’ bodies and the state government has brought about the agreement.

The talk held today evening in the presence of YAS minister Letpao Haokip, PHE minister L Dikho and Hills and Tribal Affairs minister Vungzagin Valte was also attended by officials of the state Tribal Affairs and Hills department.

As per the agreement, there will be a discussion between the HAC of state assembly and the state government within five days (till November 30) on the draft Autonomous District Council Bill-2021.

The draft ADC Bill 2021 will be introduced by the government in the upcoming winter session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly after completing the due process of law provided under the Constitution of India.

“The state government shall release all the executives of ATSUM, KSO and ANSAM unconditionally and the ongoing economic blockade shall be suspended for the time being,” the third point of the agreement stated.

The agreement was signed between presidents of ATSUM, ANSAM and KSO and Additional Chief Secretary Letkhogin Haokip.

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