Indefinite economic blockade called by ATSUM begins in Manipur

The indefinite economic blockade of National Highways in Manipur called by the All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) backed by other hill students organisations came into effect today.   The

The indefinite economic blockade of National Highways in Manipur called by the All Tribal Students’ Union, Manipur (ATSUM) backed by other hill students organisations came into effect today.  

The bandh was called in protest when talks between Manipur Chief Minister and the students’ organizations on the non- tabling of “Manipur (Hill Areas) ADC Bill, 2021 failed a few days back.

The economic blockade was enforced along the Mao-Imphal, Jiribam-Imphal, and the Moreh-Imphal national highways in the state.

Speaking to Northeast Live ATSUM president Paotinthang Lupheng asserted that at some point in time the government will have to yield to their demands.

ATSUM and other tribal groups such as ATSUM, ANSAM, KSO-GHQ, and ATSUM federating units of the hill areas of the state had observed a total 24 hours shutdown in the hill areas on November 20 immediately after the talks failed on 19^th.

The Manipur government had failed to table the bill during the Monsoon Session of the state Assembly. The new bill was supposed to repeal and replace the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils Act, 1971.

Meanwhile, the proposed draft Bill is being vigorously opposed by civil society bodies based in the state’s valley areas.

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