Tribal students threaten highway blockade

Imphal, Aug 15 (UNI) The All Tribal Students Union, Manipur, (ATSUM) has threatened to resume indefinite economic blockade on National Highways 39 and 53 from August 19 as the government has 'failed' to fulfil the agreements reached on March 3.

ATSUM spokesperson Joseph Hmar said the government was supposed to fulfil the demands within three months. But no action was taken to implement the agreements. Hmar said teachers were appointed on contract basis for just 85 days to fill up the vacancies in hill areas.

An additional director, education, for hills was appointed but he was not given any power, he alleged. The tribal students' body further alleged that the reservation policy for tribals was not properly implemented in the state by the state government.

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