Jiri-Imphal highway blockade on, vehicles damaged
Source: Hueiyen News Service / JNN
Jiribam, July 06 2014:
Demanding posting of school teachers and infrastructure required for educational institutions in Jiribam sub division, four student bodies of Jiribam have launched an indefinite total blockade along Jiribam-Imphal national highway beginning from midnight of July 5 .
On the first day today, blockade supporters broke windshields of vehicles belonging to railways construction workers which came with security escorts around 9.30 at Jiri Lamkhai and later in the afternoon at Hilghat Sorok Atingbi and Kamranga areas.
At least 12 vehicles were damaged.
Meanwhile, Barak Circle Development Demand Committee (BCDDC) has expressed its support to the agitations spearheaded by the four student bodies of Jiribam.
Extending support to the agitations launched by the four student bodies - AMSU District Committee, Jiribam; MSF, Special Branch; DESAM Local Council and KSA Jiribam Unit, Vanlalhriet Hmar, Gen.
Secy.
of Barak Circle Development Demand Committee (BCDDC) announced that all schools and government offices located in Jiribam Barak Circle have been closed down.
He further said that schools from lower to higher levels in the Barak Circle are facing shortage of infrastructure and teachers.
It may be recalled that in spite of repeated demands for provision of teachers and school infrastructure in Jiribam sub-division for a long time, the Manipur Govt.has not materialised the demands of the student bodies till date, thereby compelling the organisations to launch the agitations.
Following the non-fulfilment of their demands as per the agreement signed between the representatives of Manipur Govt.and 4 student bodies of Jiribam on 25 October 2013 setting the deadline for fulfilment of demands as June 10 last, the disgruntled student bodies resorted to indefinite closure of schools and offices in Jiribam from June 25 last.
Having warned the government of severe forms of protests in case of failure to fulfil their demands, the organisations have launched the total blockade along Jiri-Imphal national highway 37 beginning from midnight of July 5 .
Announcing that all projects including railways works will also be covered during the blockade on the national highway, the agitating bodies had earlier warned all vehicle counters and transporters to be off the service on the highways.