United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) calls bandh on NH-37
Source: The Sangai Express
Jiribam, March 15 2012:
The underground United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) has called an indefinite bandh on National Highway-37 with effect from 6am of March 17 in protest against the alleged excess of security forces upon civilians of Jiribam, Tamenglong district, and Vangai Range of Churachandpur district.
Speaking to this correspondent, chairman of UTLA SK Thadou rued that the Imphal East district police commandos posted at Jiribam and the Assam Rifles have let loose a reign of terror by branding civilians as UGs or OGWs in recent days.
He charged that the security personnel have committed excess on the pretext of counter insurgency operations against the outfit which is yet to enter the SoO agreement with the government.
Taking all the excess committed by the security forces, the outfit is compelled to call the NH-37 bandh, he said.
SK Thadou also called upon the authority concerned to discipline the conduct of SFs deployed at Jiribam.
He further clarified that Lammingou Singson, who was arrested by a team of police commandos and Assam Rifles from Leisabithol in Jiribam is not related with the outfit.
He added that Lammingou was an innocent civilian.