Manipur Powerplay: ATSUM open to talks with state govt

General secretary of ATSUM Andria Sinruwng said that the union and its federating units are ready for talks as long as the dialogue is sincere.

The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has said that it is open to talks and even a give and take with the state government on the ADC draft bill 2021 issue.

Speaking to Northeast Live Editor in Chief Wasbir Hussain on the show Northeast Tonight, general secretary of ATSUM Andria Sinruwng said that the union and its federating units are ready for talks as long as the dialogue is sincere.

Meanwhile, in a significant statement, BJP spokesman Johnson Elangbam said that the N Biren Singh-led state government is always open to discussion and hinted that CM N Biren Singh may directly take part in talks.

It may be mentioned that as per observers the ADC draft bill 2021 envisages maximum autonomy for hill areas.

Some Valley-based civil society groups however feel that the ADC bill 2021 intends to bifurcate the state administration-wise and hence is not acceptable.

Earlier on, August 10, ATSUM decided to suspend the economic blockade along the National Highways in hill districts.

The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of ATSUM and its federating units at Kangpokpi.

The apex tribal student body of Manipur made the announcement to temporarily suspend the economic blockade right after the meeting.

The apex student body said that it was lifting the economic blockade on humanitarian grounds.

ATSUM, however, added that it will continue democratic agitation to push for its demand for tabling the Hill Areas Committee, Autonomous Council Bill 2021.

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