The invitation to the agitating group was made to some media persons on the sideline of a function held at Imphal Congress Bhavan in connection with the observance of the 124th birth anniversary of first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
While inviting the agitating student body, Gaikhangam observed that nothing benefit could be brought about by banning implementation of national project.
Such kind of stir would hinder the development pace of the state, he said, while making an appeal to the agitating group not to resort to such activities and come to the negotiating table.
Every problem could be solved through talks, he added, reiterating Ibobi led government’s commitment for bringing a balance development between hills and valley.
Works of national projects in Manipur, particularly, tunnel construction of Jiribam to Tupul railway line has been disturbed since November 12 last owing to the ban imposed by ATSUM led by Tombing as president. It was a part of its second phase agitation under the code name ROTO (Reckoning of the Other).
The primary demand of the tribal student body was setting up of a separate state commission for ST, and encouraging equitable development through special responsibilities under 371 C of the constitution of India, to bring the present ADC at par with other ADCs in the North East State of India.
Other charter of demands include improvement of education system in hill areas by appointing adequate teaching and non-teaching staffs with necessary infrastructure of schools and setting up of B Ed centres in the hill districts.