Students call economic blockade on NH in Manipur

Imphal, May 15 (UNI) The All Tribal Students Union, Manipur, (ATSUM) has called an indefinite economic blockade on the National Highways in the state from midnight.

ATSUM general secretary Samson Remei today said the blockade was called to protest alleged failure of the Manipur government to implement an agreement signed on March 31.

The ATSUM said there was shortage of teachers in the hill areas and the government had announced to fulfil the agreement by appointing teachers within April.

State Education Minister L Nandakuar said so far 52 teachers have been appointed and people from the local areas were preferred. He said over 30,000 candidates had applied for the posts so it took some time to appoint them.

The ATSUM said it had submitted a letter to Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh informing him about the agitation. The ATSUM was insisting on local candidates as those who come from other places never take up their duty properly.

The ATSUM had earlier called economic blockade which was called off after the agreement was reached.

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