ATSUM Concludes 24-Hour Bandh, Condemns Police Action, and Continues Economic Blockade

Imphal, Aug 21, 2014 (UNA): The 24-hour bandh in all hill districts of the state, spearheaded by the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) to pressure the state government and Manipur University Authority for the implementation of the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Amendment Act 2012 from the current academic session, concluded at midnight today.

The bandh was largely peaceful until reports came in about an incident involving the beating of KSO Churachandpur district General Secretary Haoneo Baite by district police personnel in Churachandpur.

Condemning the high-handedness of the Churachandpur Police, ATSUM President Emboi Serto, in a disillusioned tone, asserted that the Superintendent of Police, Churachandpur, sought negotiation at the KSO Churachandpur district office, but the issues remained unresolved.

The tribal student apex body chief also noted that they received a call for negotiation today from the government but chose to ignore it, stating, “There is no room for negotiation at this juncture while the bandh has already been in full swing.”

“If the government holds the spirit of negotiation, why has it delayed for so long when the door has been open for many days?” Emboi added.

He continued that an executive meeting of the student body will be held tomorrow at the state capital to discuss the proposed indefinite economic blockade starting at midnight on August 22 and further courses of agitation.

The bandh paralyzed vehicular traffic on all national highways passing through the hill districts of the state, severely affecting normal life. Reports from Motbung, Sapormeina, Champhai, Leimakhong, and Saikul, as well as from Senapati district HQ in Maram and Mao, indicated that the bandh was peaceful and total.

Some loaded trucks and passenger vehicles were reported stranded at the Mao gate and Senapati district HQ. Additionally, students from Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and other states who came for the Interstate Youth Festival were provided food and necessary merchandise at Senapati district HQ by SDSA, and they were escorted safely towards the state capital by Senapati police.

Shops and business establishments remained closed in the district headquarters, while government offices, as well as private and government educational institutions, were also shuttered for the day. In Kangpokpi, shops, other commercial establishments, banks, and government offices remained closed, with managements of private educational institutions and government schools declaring a holiday, resulting in a deserted look in the town.

Parents and guardians of some students pointed out that they are very much worn out by the frequent bandhs and closures of schools for various reasons. While this situation is challenging for many students, they expressed that concerning the demands of the student body and the government’s attitude, they put up with the disruptions without regret.

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