UNC's 72 Hour Blockade Comes Into Force
ZYF, ZSUM endorse UNC's call for blockade
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, December 26 2012:
The 72-hour bandh to be effected from midnight of December 26 in all the 'Naga areas' by the United Naga Council (UNC) in protest against the alleged 'communal attacks' has been endorsed by Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur (ZSUM) .
"This decision taken by the UNC in the present situation will send out a loud and clear message and prove that Nagas are peace loving people.
ZYF-ZSUM will strictly enforce the said bandh in Tamenglong district and other areas where Zeliangrong people reside to tell the world that we condemn the attacks on Nagas," the ZYF and ZSUM said.
According to the ZYF and ZSUM, the bandh enforcers and supporters of Film Forum Manipur (FFM), Shumang Leela Council and various civil society organizations have not only inflicted damages on the already socially divided society but compounded division in all respects by picking on tribal communities on the pretext of condemning the Chandel incident.
"The sporadic and spontaneous reactions with attacks on tribal people using provocative language was pre-planned, motivated, deliberated and intentional.
Emergence of various JACs on the same issue with one declaring relaxation of strike with another group enforcing the strike clearly indicated that there is a common view and opinion with mutual understanding among themselves as the claim of one group relaxing the strike was only a method to let people come out on the streets so as to let loose reign of terror upon the tribal people," ZYF and ZSUM alleged.
Many innocent people who came to Imphal for Christmas shopping, which is celebrated once in a year, were humiliated, harassed and insulted.
Large groups of people who were on foot to cross the valley portion stretching more than 20 kms were harassed and some were beaten while some were not allowed to proceed after having walked for more than half of the distance.
Vehicles carrying sick persons were destroyed and burnt down.
The annual plan of every family eagerly waiting and longing to atleast celebrate Christmas together with their near and dear ones staying in different places has been completely spoiled and the festive spirit dampened by the bandh as most of the people failed to reach their respective homes.
Therefore, relaxation or continuation of strike does not make any difference now," the ZYF and ZSUM added.
Both the organisations further said the Zeliangrong people strongly condemn the 'primitive' acts and activities of the strikers.
Meanwhile, Chandel Naga People's Organisation, Naga Students Union, Chandel and the Naga Women Union Chandel have pledged to fully endorse the UNC sponsored 72 hour bandh.
The bodies said they will strictly impose the bandh and appealed every one to extend co-operation to the bandh.
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