Assam body warns of counter bandh
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, March 25 2022:
Terming the extension of bandh by Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) for an indefinite period as an act of harassing the public with some cheap tactics to meet their malicious agenda, All Assam Manipuri Youth's Association (AAMYA) has urged SAPO to withdraw its indefinite bandh at the earliest.
In a statement, AAMYA said that it is irked by the extension of the bandh called by SAPO demanding withdrawal of armed personnel of Manipur police and permanent structures from within the present political boundary of Manipur.
The indefinite bandh called by SAPO is quite illogical as the position of the Manipur police personnel and the permanent structures are well within the political boundary of the state and beyond the jurisdiction of SAPO.
The deployment of armed police force is aimed at protecting the ecosystem of Dzuko valley, safeguarding and assisting the villagers along the Manipur-Nagaland border and so it is in the interest of both the states.
If, at all, this arrangement affects public life, let the two governments discuss it officially and maturely, the statement suggested, while recalling the forest fire that raged in the valley some months back took much efforts to control.
"We are just out of the corona crisis; trucks and other vehicles are rushing their way to Imphal with immediate responsibilities.
They are all stranded on the highway.
This irresponsible and inhumane act of SAPO can only increase hostility amongst the different communities of the north-east and escalate tension at the border.
This highway is the lifeline of not only Manipur but also of Nagaland and Assam," AAMYA stated.
"If we have to live together peacefully, we should respect each other and should not hold the highway as a cheap bait to raise petty, personal and malicious agenda.
Public harassment in any form breeds hatred and conflict," the statement continued.
Stating that it is high time to change pressure tactics, AAMYA pointed out that there is always peaceful and democratic way out of any problem howsoever grave it may be.
"We suggest that the SAPO withdraws the indefinite bandh in the interest of the people at the earliest.
Otherwise, there will be counter bandhs or other counter measures along the Assam-Nagaland border also or in any area covered by Manipuri organisations led by AAMYA in Assam," the statement added.