Tribal students to boycott Manipur govt

Imphal, Aug 11: The All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) has announced that it will launch an agitation from midnight tonight demanding proper reservation policy for the SCs and STs.

ATSUM Publicity Secretary Joseph Hmar here today said, ''The government has deliberately ignored the grievances of the tribals though repeated reminders had been given.'' The secretary said the ATSUM and its volunteers would boycott all state government institutions, except Zonal Education Offices (ZEO) and government schools, in the hill districts of Manipur.

However, health, veterinary and animal husbandry officials engaged in bird flu-related jobs would not be disturbed, he added.

Besides, ATSUM decided to stay away from all state government programmes and functions and boycott all government vehicles, including oil tankers. However, LPG trucks would be allowed to ply on the roads.

The ATSUM had called several economic blockades in the past which were, however, called off after the government assured to fulfill the demands.

The ATSUM had urged the government to follow proper reservation policy for the SCs and STs in the state services examinations conducted by the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC).

It also alleged that proper reservation policy was not followed in the promotion procedure of the state Home department.

Besides, it demanded that reservation policy should be strictly enforced at the Manipur University (MU) and the services of teachers at hill areas should be extended on contract basis.

The ATSUM further demanded proper policy on the original script of Manipur the Meitei Script and construction of National Institute of Technology (NIT) at hill areas.

UNI