Alice Kamei's case: Total highway bandh suspended
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, May 02 2013: After imposing 'total bandh' along the National Highways leading to Manipur since April 21, the Zeliangrong organisations have decided this afternoon to suspend the agitation from midnight of today (May 2) .

The All Zeliangrong Students Union (AZSU), Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and Zeliangrong Students Union, Manipur (ZSUM) have been demanding the 'safe release' of school girl Alice Kamei who is allegedly in the custody of the militant outfit Revolutionary Peoples Front (RPF) since March 10 .

It is worth noting here that the RPF has been maintained that Alice Kamei is 16 years old and had joined the outfit on her own volition while the Zeliangrong organisations have rejected the former's version and accused the outfit of kidnapping the school girl to force her to join the armed group .

The Zeliangrong organisations also said that Alice Kamei is only 14 years old.

Today, convened by AZSU, ZYF and ZSUM, a public meeting was held in this connection at Tarung Zeliangrong village community hall, Imphal East district which decided to relax the 'total bandh' for the time being.

The meeting also strongly condemned the Zeliangrong Union (ZU) and Kabui Mothers' Association (KAMA) for working against the Zeliangrong people which is totally against the law of the land at the behest of underground group RPF/PLA.

"The meeting resolved that the same section which said that two women child recruiters Mrs.Thoinu Devi and Ms.Rojita Devi @ Tekpi @ Nene should be invoked to the functionaries of the ZU and KAMA and take action as per law of the land and declared as unlawful organizations," one of the three meeting resolutions said.

"The public meeting resolved to relax the ongoing bandh on national highways with effect from the midnight of May 2 for few days considering the suffering of the people and appeals made from United Naga Council (UNC), RNBA, Martyr's Day observation of Mr Neli Chakho and Mr.Dikho Loshuo to be held on May 6 at Mao Gate and also appeals from MEELAL and different civil organizations.

But the total bandh will be resumed in collaboration with other lawful organizations at any time including the ban on all ongoing mega national projects to secure the safe release of Alice Kamei from the custody of RPF/PLA," the second resolution added.

The public meeting then expressed total dissatisfaction and discontentment at the "irresponsible state government of Manipur dealing" on the issue which is sensitive in nature," the third and the final resolution stated.

Today's meeting was participated by public leaders, activists and various organisations.

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