Vacate paramilitary force from girls’ hostel: Tribal Youth Council Manipur to Manipur govt

Imphal: The Tribal Youth Council Manipur (TYCM) has issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Manipur govt to vacate the paramilitary force from the Tribal Girls’ Hostel, Old Lambulane, Imphal.The council stated that despite submitting a representation and complaint 22 days ago, no action has been taken by the concerned authorities. It warned that if the govt fails to comply, TYCM will be compelled to use any means to vacate the paramilitary force and the state govt should bear the sole responsibility.The council had earlier submitted a representation on Aug 29 to Manipur governor, chief secretary and the additional chief secretary, tribal affairs and hills department. A complaint was also lodged to the chairperson of the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes (MSCST) on Sept 1 to initiate suo-motu action against the concerned authorities and to issue appropriate directions for their removal so that the hostel can begin functioning.The hostel, constructed and run by the tribal affairs and hills department under the govt of Manipur, is the only one in Imphal meant for the welfare of tribal girl students of the state.“Tribal girl students from far-flung and remote areas are now staying in rented houses in Imphal, paying rent and parents of these students struggle to support their children’s education...,” the council secretary said, questioning the purpose of constructing the hostel if it is occupied by paramilitary forces.“The very purpose of the hostel has become meaningless and this is a total suppression of the rights of the tribal students of Manipur,” he added.