Uncertainty continues to loom large over the economic blockade called by ATSUM as the apex tribal students’ body denounced the MoU it inked with the government along with ANSAM and KSO-GHQ on August 7. It also suspended its vice president, the signatory in the MoU representing the ATSUM.
In its emergency meeting on Tuesday at Senapati District Headquarters, the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) and its federating units denounced the MoU inked between the state Government, the Hill Areas Committee and ATSUM, ANSAM, and KSO-GHQ on August 7 in matters relating to the impasse of the HAC recommended, 'The Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill 2021'.
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According to ATSUM, the decision of the announcement was made in the event of the agreement being signed in a unilateral capacity and the decision of the individuals involved in the agreement without consulting the executives of ATSUM and its federating units.
It also suspended Vanlanlian Khaute from the post of vice president of ATSUM with immediate effect for gross violation of the conduct of the union by unilaterally appending his signature to the agreement on August 7.
Further, ATSUM decided to convene another emergency meeting with ANSAM, KSO-GHQ, and its federating units and senior leaders on August 10 to seek a common way forward of the ongoing movement for the introduction of the HAC recommended the Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Councils Bill, 2021 in the Manipur Legislative Assembly and enactment of the same into an act.
Meanwhile, despite no official announcement or declaration of lifting the ongoing economic blockade, vehicles ferrying essential commodities were seen plying along National Highway 2 since Monday evening.
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On inquiry, some of the ATSUM leaders were not willing to give any comment on whether the economic blockade is being officially lifted or not while some said it is still on as no official announcement has been made yet.
No vehicles ferrying essential commodities were seen stranded along the National Highway-2 in Kangpokpi district.
A reliable source informed that a clear picture of the ongoing economic blockade will come out after tomorrow's meeting as it will discuss and decide on the matter in the meeting.
