Tribal students to launch strike for their demand in Manipur

Imphal, May 23: The All Tribal Students' Union (ATSUM) today said it would launch a series of strike from June 3 to press for their demands.

The demands include filling up of vacant posts of teachers, improvement of infrastructure of educational institutions and proper functioning of public health centres in the five hill districts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Senapati.

ATSUM President Muan Tombing told reporters that the government has been neglecting the demands of tribal students for a long time and from 5am on June 3, the union would observe 38 hours agitation. He said there would not be obstruction of movement of vehicles and shops and markets and business establishments would be allowed to function during the 38-hour strike what ATSUM described 'sustained agitation', which will be followed by a similar 'sustained agitation' for 38 days.

During the agitation, there may be street corner meetings and other mass campaign, ATSUM sources said. The sources said 38 hours and 38 days 'sustained agitation' were symbolic of the suffering of 38 tribes in the state.

Official sources said the government was doing everything possible to fulfill not only the demands of the tribal students but also different development programmes in the hill districts of the state.

The sources said it takes time to implement any development programme properly and sought the cooperation of the people both in the hill and valley districts so that the implementation of development programmes could be speeded up.

PTI