'Indefinite' shutdown protests Ukhrul blasts
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, April 06 2023:
In view of the unwarranted situation created by a series of recent bomb blasts occurring in Ukhrul district headquarters, the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of the district have declared a total shutdown for the entire town indefinitely to ensure the safety of the citizens.
On Thursday, the length and breadth of the township wore deserted look since early morning till noon, as the CSOs enforced a seven-hour shutdown to show condemnation of the frequent bomb blasts in the town.
Most of the vehicles of Ukhrul remained parked instead and shops, banks and government offices ceased business activities, except certain emergency services.
Even educational institutions remained shut for the day.
Through the move, the CSOs have announced that the shutdown would become effective from 6 pm of Thursday (April 6) to 5 am of next day and the routine would continue until further notice from them.
They said that the move is to help reign in the unwarranted situation created by anti-social elements in the peaceful town.
The CSOs also claimed that the reinforcement of security forces by the government, instead of installing CCTVs has the potential to further aggravate the situation in the town.
The CSOs urged all localities, especially women folks to arrange Charmei (torch) and keep it ready for any untoward incidents arising out of military operations.
On Tuesday, around 70 police commandos from Imphal West and Imphal East districts arrived at Ukhrul district headquarters to conduct routine patrolling in strategic areas.
It is worth noting that on Monday evening, a blast occurred near the Viewland Church gate in the heart of the town, injuring at least five people, including non-locals.
This was the fourth such incident to occur in the town in the last four months.
On March 21, a low-inten-sity bomb exploded at the mini-secretariat complex in the district headquarters.
Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or casualties from the incident.