2011 witnesses 123 days blockade, 20 days bandh
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 31 2011:
The year 2011 witnessed the longest ever economic blockade in Manipur with the state remaining crippling for 123 days even as another 20 days have been wasted on account of bandhs.
For 120 days, lasting from August 1, 2011 to October 31, 2011, Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) imposed an indefinite economic blockade along with the two National Highways passing through the state in pursuance of its demand for upgrading Sadar Hills to a full-fledged revenue district.
Objecting to the move for creation of Sadar Hills district, United Naga Council (UNC), later on launched a counter-blockade starting from August 21, 2011 till November 28, 2011 .
In between, All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) launched another economic blockade for three days to press the demand for implementation of Hundred Point Roaster System in recruitment of government employees in the hill districts and for extension of the retiring age of the contract teachers.
Many of the civil society organisations (CSOs) and the UG groups of the state also called bandh for 19 days in the state.
Seven UG groups of the state jointly had called a total General Strike on January 26 .
The JAC formed against the killing of Longjam Suresh also called a bandh on March 9.On the 9th and 10th day of the same month, MPLF called a general strike to boycott the visit of President of India to Manipur.
The JAC Against the Decision of State Cabinet for Street Vendors also called a two-day long general strike from May 7 to 8 .
In the month of July, a one-day long bandh was called by KCP (Maoist) in protest against rise in price of fertilizer in the state and the Kuki State Demand Committee called another bandh on July 22 demanding a separate state for the Kukis.
The 15th August celebration was also banned by seven UG groups of the state by calling a general strike on that day.
The JAC Against the enforced Disappearance and Arbitrary Detention of Gurumayum Jiteshwar Sharma called a bandh on September 2 .
On October 15, seven UG groups jointly called a bandh terming it as the day when Manipur lost its sovereignty.
There were five bandhs called in the month of November (16,26,28,29,30) by different CSOs and UG groups over various reasons including burning down of Phumdi huts, against the failure of State government to end the economic blockade and alleged fake encounters.
In the last month of 2011, bandh was called on four days (3,20,21,22) against the brutal killing of the Chowkidar of Irilbung Water Supply Scheme and his son and the visit of PM and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi ton Imphal.
There were no bandh/economic blockades in the month of February, April and June.
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