SAPO bandh halts transport services
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 24 2022:
Transport services along NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway) has been suspended on account of the indefinite bandh called by the Southern Angami Public Organisation (SAPO) 'within its jurisdiction' .
SAPO which has its headquarters at Zakhama, Nagaland has been imposing an indefinite bandh on the highway demanding the Government of Manipur to remove the police outpost opened at Dzuko Valley, Senapati district.
Notably, the Government of Manipur opened a police outpost and deployed security personnel at Dzuko Valley following rampant lumbering activities and encroachment into the valley by (southern) Angami people of neighbouring Nagaland.
There was a protracted stand-off when the people of Mao tried to check southern Angami people from encroaching into Dzuko Valley.
The Government of Manipur opened police outpost and deployed security personnel in the valley in order to avert such stand-off and conflicts.
Subsequently, SAPO president Kevipodi Sophie and general secretary Swelul Pucho issued a press statement recently demanding the Government of Manipur to withdraw its police outpost and security personnel from Dzuko Valley within 72 hours.
SAPO has been contending that the area where the Government of Manipur opened a police outpost falls within Kezoltsa area of Nagaland.
After its 72 hours ultimatum expired without any response from the Government of Manipur, SAPO imposed an indefinite bandh along NH-2 'within their jurisdiction' .
The indefinite total bandh has severely affected transportation of essential commodities to the State including petrol and diesel.
SAPO has already identified 20 spots and directed its volunteers to impose the bandh round the clock at these 20 points.
According to a circular issued today, 25 volunteers each of the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) have been stationed to impose the bandh today at Khuzama and Kezoma.
The bandh would be enforced at Phesama, Mitelephe and Kezo town by 25 volunteers each tomorrow.
On March 26, the bandh would be enforced at Zakhama, Kezo Basa and Kezo town, March 27 at Viswema and Kidima, March 28 at Kigwema, Pfuchama and Mima, March 29 at Khuzama and Kezoma, March 30 at Phesama, Mitelephe and Sakhabama, March 31 at Zakhama, Kezo Basa and Kezo town, April 1 at Viswema and Kidima and April 2 at Kigwema, Pfuchama and Mima.
On account of the ongoing indefinite bandh, some NRL/BPIL oil pumps have already shut down.
Meanwhile one official of IOCL's Malom Depot informed The Sangai Express that the ongoing bandh may affect fuel supply in the State.
At present, more than 200 fuel tankers including LPG TTs are stranded at Khatkhatti.
The existing stock of petrol would last seven days while diesel would meet the requirement of 10 days, the official said.