UCM calls 12 hr strike today protests against AR 'atrocities'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 03 2015:
Expressing solidarity with the ongoing road blockade along the Imphal-Moreh route over the atrocities committed by personnel of 24th Assam Rifles posted in Tegnoupal, the United Committee, Manipur has called a 12-hour state general strike from 5am to 5pm on February 4 .
While making the announcement during a press meet at its office, president of UCM Y Nabachandra expressed deep concern over the mentality of the security personnel who unleashed unstinted aggression to a group of civilians escorting a sick person at Sita Lamkhai.
He said the agitation had intensified after drawing the support of many civil societies and organisations.
The atrocities committed by the AR personnel whose duty is to protect the people had hurt the sentiments of the people of the Chandel district deeply and led to the promulgation of a bandh.
He stated that in the wake of the ongoing agitations taken up along the national highway the stance of UCM is correct.
The paramilitary had unleashed persistent harassment to drivers, traders and other individuals moving along the Imphal-Moreh route and gave maximum hardships.
He further charged the security personnel of trying to break the unity between the hill and valley people by drawing a wedge between them through a policy of treating them unequally.
The popularization of the slogan Friends of the Hills is an example of the agenda of its divisive policy, he stated.
As a result, the UCM decided to extend its support to the public movement which is now spearheaded by the JAC, he added.
He announced that essential services, sick persons and media will be excluded from the purview of the strike.
However, transporters, passenger and private vehicles plying without heeding the strike call will be responsible for all possible consequences, he warned.
Vice-president Chandramani Khumancha and Ng Deba were present during the press meet.