Naga students call for transport blockade in Manipur

Imphal, July 9 (ANI): All Naga Students Association Manipur (ANSAM) has called for a 72-hour 'chaka bandh' (transport blockade) from July 12 to protest the suppression of rights of tribal people by Manipur Government.

"The transport blockade has been called to protest the suppression of rights of tribal people by Manipur Government and would be in force in Naga-settled areas in Manipur," said a statement issued by ANSAM on Friday.

The ANSAM, however, did not elaborate on how the rights were suppressed.

"The recently-concluded autonomous district council (ADC) elections would not serve the interests and welfare of the tribal people as the District Council Act, 2008 was not amended," the issued statement added.

The officials, however, said there were no Naga-settled areas in the State as different communities lived in each part of Manipur.

"It was made to serve the interests and welfare of the tribal people and was approved by the tribal MLAs of Hill Area Committee of Manipur assembly," the officials said referring to demand for amendment of the District Council Act.

All Naga Students Association Manipur had earlier enforced a two month-long economic blockade from April 12 in protest against the Autonomous District Council elections held recently. (ANI)