Chandel Molestation Case: Indefinite bandh called
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, December 21 2012:
Protesting against the Chandel incident where Manipuri digital film actress Kh Momoko was manhandled and offended her modesty by an NSCN-IM cadre during a concert few days ago, Film Forum Manipur (FFM) in collaboration with different civil organisations in Manipur has announced an indefinite Manipur bandh beginning midnight of Friday, December 21 .
The decision to call the indefinite Manipur bandh was announced by FFM after a public meeting held at Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall here on Friday.
The bandh would continue until Livingstone, the NSCN-IM cadre and main culprit in the Momoco case is booked, the forum said.
The public meeting which was started from 4 pm and went on till 5:30 pm was also attended by a large number of people including members of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council and different civil organizations.
Earlier in the afternoon, angered members of FFM attempted to storm the Chief Minister's bungalow demanding immediate arrest of Livingstone when the police intervened and resorted to lathi-charge to control them.
Kh Momoco, the victim of the Chandel incident and singer Prakash were hurt in the police action and they were hospitalized.
The police were prompted to cane the demonstrators as they blocked the road in front of Chief Minister's bungalow, a section of National Highway-2 .
The demonstrators blocked the road for about 20 minutes when the police tried to stop them, leading to a scuffle between the agitators and the police when Momoco and Prakash were injured.
Announcing the indefinite Manipur bandh, Ipu, secretary of FFM said that the stir will never cease until and unless the state Government book and punish Livingstone.
He, however, said essential service and other religious related activities will not be covered within the purview of the bandh.
On the other hand, local residents of Ghari, Imphal Airport road, the locality of Momoko , also registered protest against the incident by staging a dharna at the locality, apart from another mass sit-in organized at Keishampat Junction.
Livingstone, who is said to be the Finance Officer (in-charge of Chandel district) of NSCN-IM molested Momoco before assaulting her in full public view during a musical concert at Maha Union Higher Secondary School ground at Chandel district headquarters on December 18.The NSCN-IM cadre also allegedly tried to kill another two artistes by firing two rounds at point blank range but they escaped unhurt.
Meanwhile, MSAC has demanded justice for the humiliating treatment to Manipuri film actress Momoco.
Comment
