Truckers leave Ukhrul amid confusion over blockade timing
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray
Ukhrul, August 21 2011:
With the United Naga Council (UNC) and Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) issuing a contradictory version of blockade timing, there was an utter confusion among the public in Ukhrul while sending the district administration into a tizzy.
In a press statement issued on Saturday evening, the UNC imposed a total bandh along the three National Highways 39, 53 and 150 in the Naga areas with effect from 1am of August 21 .
On a contrary, the TNL released a statement announcing the blockade to take effect from 6pm today.
Following the instruction of the UNC, the Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS) had swung into action to impose the blockade in Ukhrul district.
Subsequently, more than 50 trucks were stopped by blockade enforcers at Shirui village, 12kms from Ukhrul town, since Saturday night.
However, the stranded trucks were let off this evening after a hectic consultation between the district authorities and the TKS, an influential students' body of the Tangkhul community.
A team of TKS led by president Yangmi Khapai and district authorities led by Ukhrul superintendent of police visited Shirui, and held consultation with the bandh enforcers.
Eventually, the Imphal-bound trucks were let off under police escort till Ukhrul.
TKS president Yangmi Khapai admitted some confusion over the version of blockade timing.
"The TNL and UNC have issued a contradictory version on bandh timing.
That's why we have released the trucks which have been stranded since last night," he stated.
He, however, added: "There would not be any exception along the NH 150 from 6pm today.
The bandh will be enforced in totality.
" Sources said many trucks are also stranded at Jessami, while few of them are stopped at AR check post, Awang Kasom.