The indefinite economic blockade imposed along national highways by tribal student bodies in Manipur has been lifted temporarily, after three student bodies namely the All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM), the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) and the All Naga Students’ Association of Manipur (ANSAM) reached an agreement with the state government on Thursday.
As per the agreement, there will be a discussion between the Hill Area Committee (HAC), Manipur Legislative Assembly and the state government on the draft Autonomous District Council (ADC) Bill, 2021 within five days i.e. by November 30.
It was agreed that the draft ADC bill, 2021 shall be introduced by the government in the upcoming winter assembly session, 2021 after completing the due process of law provided under the Constitution of India.
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The agreement also mentioned that the government shall release all the executives of ATSUM, KSO and ANSAM unconditionally and the ongoing economic blockade shall be suspended for the time being.
The agreement was signed by president of ATSUM Paotinthang Lupheng; president of ANSAM Wanglar Thiirtung and president of KSO Sasang Vaiphei from the side of student bodies while additional chief secretary Letkhogin Haokip signed on behalf of state government.
The agreement was made in presence of three ministers, namely Letpao Haokip, L Dikho and Vungzagin Valte along with the officers of the Tribal Affairs and Hill department.
The 11 executive members of the three student bodies who were arrested late Wednesday have been released unconditionally Thursday, police said.
