Bandh total in Ukhrul, Bolero damaged at Lambui
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Ukhrul, February 11, 2012:
The day-long total bandh imposed in Ukhrul district on Saturday by Tangkhul civil societies was by and large peaceful with the town wearing a deserted look and the vehicles staying off the road.
The Tangkhul Civil Societies imposed the 12-hour bandh today demanding unconditional release of the detained NSCN (IM)'s Head of Foreign Affairs Ningkhan Anthony Shimray, who is presently lodged in Tihar jail facing charges of procuring arms and waging war against the Indian state and undergoing trial in Patiala Court.
On Saturday, the government offices saw no attendance and all business establishments down their shutters in Ukhrul.
The educational institutions also remained shut today, except for those students undergoing coaching class for HSLC examinations.
In a bandh-related incident, a Bolero jeep (MN 01W 9493) was reportedly destroyed at Lambui village, about 23kms on the way to Ukhrul by bandh volunteers.
Sources said the Bolero was on its way to Imphal from Ukhrul and was intercepted by bandh enforcers at Lambui.
The public, commuting between Ukhrul and Imphal, had to bear the brunt of today's total bandh.
From Imphal the passenger began their service hours late so as to reach Ukhrul after 5pm-the time when the bandh came to an end.
Earlier, the Tangkhul civil societies comprising TSL, TWL, TKS and TMNL have stated that the campaign to free Ningkhan Shimray would get further strengthened.
Naga Women Union, Manipur (NWUM) is spearheading the movement and has steadfastly contended detention of NSCN leader is "unlawful" at time when the peace talk is underway with Government of India.
On January 4 last, Ningkhan's bail was rejected by the court by opening up old cases from 1982.The National Investigating Agency (NIA) Special Court has fixed the dates for a speedy trial from February 10-13.He is on a hunger strike to protest against his continued detention.
Sources said Ningkhan had actively participated in at least seven rounds of peace talk with the Government of India.
He was arrested on his way to Delhi to attend the Indo-Naga Peace talk at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport on September 27, 2010 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
"We are deeply concerned that he was arrested during the ongoing Cease Fire between the Government of India and the NSCN defying the cease-fire agreement.
It is our earnest prayer that Mr Shimray be released immediately in the interest of peace," said a joint statement issued by Tangkhul civil societies.