Stray violence marks Singjamei bandh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 21 2009: The 12-hour Singjamei bandh called in protest against the killing of Loitongbam Satish alias Tomba by security forces during an alleged encounter ended with stray incidences of violence in which over 15 vehicles were damaged and the effigy of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh was set aflame.

The bandh called by the Committee formed in connection with the killing from 6 am to 6 pm today affected normal life in Singjamei and its surrounding areas with all the shops and market places downing shutters for the day.

Bandh supporters burning the effigy of Chief Minister O Ibobi during the 12 hr Singjamei bandh

Although the Committee had announced exemption of educational institutions from the purview of the bandh, most of the schools remained closed for the day.

Attendance in Government offices of Singjamei area was also reported to be thin.

The bandh was total in between the National highway 39 stretch from Singjamei Waikhom Leikai to Chingamakhong with bandh supporters enforcing road block along with burning of old tyres, scattering broken glass pieces and erecting barricades with bamboo and tree branches.

Vehicular traffic supposed to pass through the said road stretch was also diverted towards Singjamei-Liwa Road.

In spite of the stringent security measures that were put in place to avoid any untoward incident during the bandh, bandh supporters allegedly damaged windscreens of over 15 vehicles including five four-wheeler vehicles.

Though security personnel arrested three bandh supporters, they were released afterward.

At Singjamei Waikhom Leikai where a large number of womenfolk came out to enforced the bandh, the effigy of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh was also burnt amid shouting slogans in condemnation of the killing.

Meanwhile, Committee Against the Killing of L Satish alias Tomba convenor Oinam Nandakishore has acknowledged the support and co-operation of all the people and social organisations during the 12-hour bandh.

Expressing regret over the stay violence incidents which occured during the bandh, the convenor, however, appealed to all concerned not to harbour any ill-feeling in this regard.

As further of course of action after the bandh, the Committee has made necessary measures for launching more intense agitation against the Government in association with other social organisations, the convenor added.

Condemning over the killing, Chingamakha Apunba Nupi Lamjing Lup and Singjamei to Lilong United Clubs' Organisation have announced their unflinching support to the cause of the Committee in fighting for justice.