AMUCO warns of mass movement
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 04 2015: On the heels of UCM's 12-hour State-wide general strike in solidarity with the indefinite bandh along Imphal-Moreh section of NH-102 imposed against the alleged atrocities of security forces along the highway, the All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has warned of spearheading a mass movement unless the Centre and State Govt bring an immediate solution to stop alleged harassment of public along the highway by the security forces.

Speaking to reporters today at its office at Kwakeithel, AMUCO president Dr Y Mani Khuman said it was very unfortunate that the Govt is still reluctant to take steps to meet the demand of civil society organisations to end harassment of travellers along the highway even as an indefinite bandh has been imposed along the highway since Jan 30 .

AMUCO has been keenly observing if the Govt is serious to bring a solution to the problem.

However, it would be compelled to take the drastic step as its level of toleration has crossed the limits, he asserted.

Mani Khuman observed that the AR personnel, in the name of counter-insurgency, have started harassing small time businessmen.

He also accused the AR personnel of taking a much longer time than needed in routine checking and frisking of travellers besides ordering all passengers to walk including patients for a long distance.

AMUCO has no objection in the security forces conducting frisking and checking passengers, but it is more concerned about the harassment of the public in the name of routine frisking.

Metal detectors or other devices could be utilised for more convenience in checking and frisking exercise, Mani opined.

Addressing the press meet, vice-president of AMUCO, Ph Deban Sharma demanded that militarisation of Manipur in the name of counter-insurgency be stopped immediately.

The ongoing public movement against the atrocities of the security personnel along Imphal-Moreh highway can be ended by holding talks, but this would not be the solution, he asserted.

He strongly demanded correctional action for 24 AR personnel or to shift the AR battalion to other places.

Deban further urged the State Govt to stop unauthorised collection of money by VDF and police personnel from passenger or private vehicles plying along the route.

Comment