Imphal: The All Tribal Students’ Union Manipur (ATSUM) has called off the proposed total shutdown in Manipur for 48 hours following a breakthrough. The state government assurance to conduct the delayed Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections to the six hill districts.
In a statement issued on Sunday, its information and publicity secretary Khaiminlen Doungel said that the proposed 48 hours agitation which was scheduled to commence from October 26 has been deferred for next 10 days.
The body and its federating units decided to defer the bandh after the state government has shown its sincere commitment and steps taken for early conduct of ADC election on time and appealed to defer the agitation, said Doungel.
As per the statement, with written assurance during the second round of talks with ATSUM, the state government is ready for considering the demand for timely conduct of ADC election without further extension.
Also Read: Manipur: Dissolve Autonomous District Council’s and hold elections demands ATSUM
The decision to conduct the long-drawn ADC polls in Churachandpur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Tamenglong, Senapati and Ukhrul districts without further the extension will be considered at the state cabinet meeting to be held soon.
“ATSUM believes that the state government will adopt a concrete decision for the announcement of the date of elections to the six ADCs in consultation with the relevant authorities within a stipulated 10 days,” said Doungel in a statement.
However, in case of the state failed to adhere to its commitment, the body warned of severe agitation on the last day of the ten days grace period.
The chairpersons of four ADCs had sought permission from Hill Areas Committee (HAC) for extension of elections for six months extension citing of ‘harvest’ and ‘pandemic time’.
The ADC polls were supposed to be held in June this year, but the state government extend the term of office of all the members of the six ADCs on March 3 after HAC recommended postponement of the ADC election to November 2020.
Also Read: ADC chairmen seeking term extension for personal whims: All Tribal Students Union Manipur
