Agitating tribal students in Manipur suspended its indefinite economic blockade on the national highways passing through hill districts of Manipur following an agreement with the state government on Sunday.
All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) gave the indefinite economic blockade which commenced soon after the 24-hour total shutdown across the hill districts given by them ended last midnight.
The apex body of tribal based student bodies were agitating against delay in holding elections to the autonomous district councils (ADCs) in hill districts of the state.
The apex body agreed to suspend the agitations after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed with the government after their demands were deliberated in a talk at chief minister’s level today.
A government source said that representatives of ATSUM held a talk with the government on the invitation by the latter, for the second time, to end the deadlock.
The talk in which the chief minister was assisted by state PHE minister Losii Dikho, Forest minister Awangbou Newmai and tribal affairs and hills minister Vungzagin Valte deliberated on the demands of the ATSUM for holding ADC elections expeditiously.
The MoU, a copy of which is available with this correspondent stated that the meeting took note of the various issues involved in the context of the evolving scenario arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic and also the related demand for creation of ADC for the newly created districts from other stakeholders.
After thorough discussions, it was agreed that the state cabinet will take a decision by March 31, 2021 on the issue of conducting ADC elections and related matters, after consulting all stakeholders, it added.
The talk further decided to appoint ministers – Losii Dikho and Vungzagin Valte – to coordinate with all concerned for the same, as per the MoU signed today.
On the other hand, the ATSUM agreed to suspend all forms of agitations related with the ADC elections during the period, it added.
The MoU was signed by president Seiboi Haokip and general secretary SR Andria on ATSUM side while secretary to chief minister N Geoffrey signed on behalf of the state government.