79 bandhs, 10 blockades in recent times take a heavy toll on State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 22 2010: From January 2009 till the current month, Manipur witnessed as many as 79 bandhs and highway blockades ten times.These frequent bandhs and blockades have caused loss of 1/9th of the State per capita income.

According to a Government report, normal life was disrupted by 19 State-wide bandhs last year.

At the district level, there was a district level bandh once in Senapati, twice in Ukhrul, once in Tamenglong, twice in Chandel, once in Thoubal and once in Churachandpur.

In addition, the State witnessed hill districts bandh eight times.

(L) Obstacles put up along NH-39 and a deserted street in Imphal due to a bandh

There were no separate district-level bandhs in Bishnupur, Imphal East and Imphal West.

There were bandhs on National Highways five times and another bandh in Naga dominated districts.

At local level, bandhs were witnessed at Moreh, Jiribam, Singjamei, Khurai and some other places.

NH-39 and NH-53 were blockaded thrice last year while NH-39 was blocked on two occasions.

This year, normal life was disrupted by five State-wide bandhs called on different dates.

There were district level bandhs once in Senapati, once in Ukhrul, once in Tamenglong, twice in Chandel, once in Bishnupur and once in Naga dominated districts.

Till date this year, there has been no district level bandh in Thoubal, Imphal East and Imphal West.

During the current year, bandhs were called ten times on the three National Highways.

These was against four bandhs called in hill areas.

Blockades were imposed on NH-39 and NH 53 together on three occasions while NH 39 alone was blockaded once.

All the highways of the State were also blockaded once.

According to the Government report, these frequent bandhs and blockades caused loss of oneninth of the annual State per capita income.

Notably, the number of recorded bandhs and blockades during 2004-05 was 80 and this figure jumped to 145 in 2005-06 .