Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 22:
The 48-hour total bandh called by Grievances Committee on Census 2001 and Karong Railway Head under the aegis of Naga Peoples' Organisation, Senapati beginning from midnight last went off peaceful today with no report of any untoward incidents.
The district headquarters wore a deserted look with all shops downing shutters and people and vehicular traffic staying off the roads.
The traffic along the National High way-39 stretch of the district was also nil except for security vehicles and vehicles on emergency services.
Attendance in the Government offices was also skeletal.
However, educational institutions were exempted from the purview of the total bandh and school children were picked from various points by school buses and taxis.
Six light vehicles have been detained by the bandh supporters and are likely to be released only after the bandh period is over.
A tourist bus bound for Imphal was reportedly partially damaged in the stone pelting by volunteers in the wee hours of today.
The bandh is being called in protest against the Govt's decision, to reject the Census Report.
2001 in respect of three subdivisions of Senapati district, namely Mao-Maram, Paomata and Purul as well as shifting of the proposed rail head from Karong to Jiribam.
Our Reporter adds: As many as 133 vehicles have been stranded at Mao Gate following the 48-hour bandh called by Senapati district-based Grievances Committee on Census 2001 and Karong Railway Head with effect from midnight of November 21.Although all the VIP vehicles for the Prime Minister's visit to Jiribam for lying the foundation stone of Imphal-Tupul Rail line have returned from Silchar via Mao Gate, 77 goods-loaded trucks.
16 others carrying LPG cylinders, 7 tourist buses, 7 Maruti cars, 4 Vans and 2 oil tankers are still being stranded at the Mao gate as there are no security escort for them.