Tribal students union threatens blockade in Manipur

Agencies IMPHAL, MARCH 1 The All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) has threatened another blockade in Manipur from March 15 if there is no positive response to their demands, from the state government, by March 14. The ATSUM president Muan Tombing told reporters on Friday that a memorandum has been submitted to the Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh in this regard, for which a positive response is awaited.The government must inform the tribal students about the progress of official actions regarding the demands of the ATSUM. It may be recalled that the indefinite blockade along the highways had been suspended following a government assurance that the demands would be looked into. Tribal people stay along the two highways, which are the lifelines of Manipur, hence transportation of all goods is stopped whenever there are such blockades. There has been no government response so far to the new demand of the ATSUM. Meanwhile normal life was affected in the Chandel district bordering Manipur from Friday following the imposition of a 48-hour blockade in the district. The people of the district are protesting against the acquisition of 600 acres of land for government schemes. Also, the Naga Kuki Joint Committee is protesting against the opening of designated camps for the former insurgents inside the district. Meanwhile, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Minister Okendra Moirangthem contended that blockades and general strikes do not trigger a price hike in the state. He argued that IOC and state government transporters supply fuel and other consumer items even during such disturbances, so there is no shortage of stock. The Minister claimed some sections take undue advantage of panic buying by consumers.