ATSUM general secretary SR Andria said it is unfortunate that the Manipur government is hesitant in tabling the bill in the assembly.
TFM Report
Mounting pressure on the Manipur government for the passage of draft Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill, 2021 in the ongoing session of the Manipur Assembly, All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur on Saturday announced a 24-hours total shutdown in the hill areas of Manipur on August 23. They alleged that the state government is reluctant to table the bill in the ongoing Assembly session.
Speaking to media persons at its office in Imphal on Saturday, ATSUM general secretary SR Andria ATSUM general secretary SR Andria said it is unfortunate that the Manipur government is hesitant in tabling the bill in the assembly. To express resentment by the Tribal communities of the state, the total shutdown has been called, which will begin from the midnight of August 23, he added.
He demanded the state government to make public the reason why the bill should not be tabled and discussed in the assembly.
Andria maintained that the bill will ensure peaceful coexistence and equal development in the state. ATSUM fully endorsed the bill and appreciated and congratulated HAC for adopting the bill, he added.
Stating that the HAC members had performed their rightful duty, ATSUM also urged them to protest in any form, against the “discriminatory” actions of the government for not tabling the bill.
On the other hand, the newly elected president of the apex student body, Paotinthang Lupheng maintained that it was a first in the history of the state that the tribal representatives have unitedly stood for the welfare of the tribal people.
Stating that the bill will strengthen the autonomous district council, he said that it was meant for the betterment of the tribals. He also urged the tribals to stay united and strong, and stand with ATSUM.
The Hill Areas Committee, Manipur Legislative Assembly, in its meeting held on August 16, 2021, unanimously adopted the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021. The committee had recommended tabling the bill in the ongoing session to discuss it.
However, the state cabinet in an emergency meeting held on Friday reportedly resolved not to table the Bill in the ensuing state assembly session. The meeting, which was attended by all the cabinet ministers, minutely deliberated on the bill. The state cabinet has reportedly expressed concern over the contents of the new Bill and observed that it has provisions which will hurt the interest of other communities and affect the integrity of the state.