The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has called for an 8-hours total shutdown in Churachandpur district from 8 am to 4 pm of 28th April, 2023 citing lackadaisical attitude of the state government to address the plight of the people.
A press release issued by the Information & Publicity department of the ITLF on Thursday stated that the Forum has submitted several memoranda to the Government of Manipur to voice our grievances and apprehensions (about the survey carried out by the government) pertaining to Reserved Forest/Protected Forest/Wetlands/Wildlife and the eviction of villages. It also pained our sentiments that the government has demolished Churches and has absolutely no consideration and respect for something which is deeply sacred to those of us following the Christian faith.
The ITLF said that even after repeated meoranda the state government has shown no signs of willingness, no sincerity to address the plight of the people nor has the government shown contrition with regard to this.
Heeding the cry of the people and to show our dejection and dissatisfaction with the unlawful activities of the government, the ITLF is compelled to resort to non-cooperation of all governmental related programmes and call for a total shutdown in the district on 8 am to 4 am of 28th April, 2023, the statement added.
The ITLF also appealed the support and cooperation of the general public in demonstrating dissent against the state government.
It may be noted that Chief Minister N. Biren Singh is set to visit Churachandpur district headquarter on April 28. The Chief Minister will be inaugurating Open Gym at PT Sports Complex, Khomingthang during his visit. He will also attend the 1st anniversary celebration of 58-Churachandpur AC MLA LM Khaute at Sadbhavana Mandap, New Lamka, Churachandpur.
Various Students' Bodies have also endorsed the shutdown called by ITLF. Student body such as the KSO Churachandpur and the Zomi Students' Federation have so far endorsed the shutdown call
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128