Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite
Lamka, November 29:
Demanding that passenger bus owners of Imphal and Lamka immediately find ways to compensate the family of a rickshaw puller Kshetri Munal Singh, who allegedly passes away after two handymen of a passenger bus torture him, an indefinite Chaka bandh has been imposed on Tiddim line with effect from 6 pm today.
According to leaders of Phougakchao Ikhai Nupi Khunai (PINK), an organization spearheading the agitation, two drunk handy-man whom they identified as Paotinlien and Sasang of 'Thangjing Express,' a passenger bus owned by Irengbam Nila of Tronglaobi Makha Leikai badly thrash Munal on the night of 17 November.
Speaking to this correspondent the agitating women folk claimed that despite the incident being inform to their employer, their lack of apathy cost the victim life as he succumb on the fateful night of 20th November at JN Hospital.
Pained and shock at the indifference attitude of the bus owner, whom PINK leaders claimed was accountable to the two youth, a chaka bandh was initiated today at around 6 in the morning without any notification.
Today's bandh call was total as many volunteers were engaged in monitoring the highway not only in Phougakchao but almost on the entire Bishnupur district.
The bandh though 'chaka' for today, it will be restricted to passenger buses from tomorrow and will continue until passenger bus owners agreed to the immediate demands of PINK and hold a joint meeting to settle the dispute.
During the course of interaction with the media at Phougakchao, it was disclosed that one of the culprit, Paotinlien has surrendered to the police while his accomplice was still at large.
Munal Singh was survived by his wife and three very young siblings, all of whom were paraded before the media today.
Leaders of All Manipur Rickshaw Driver and Puller Association later in the evening reach Phougakchao and condole the demise of their associate.