Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 17:
Normal life at Sadar Hills area in Senapati district was paralysed due to the five-day total bandh called by Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) with effect from last midnight.
The SHDDC is demanding conversion of Sadar Hills, covering Kangpokpi, Sapermeina and its adjoining areas that lie along National Highway 39 and Saikul as a full-fledged revenue district.
Vehicular traffic along the roads of the area came to a grinding halt and shops downed shutters due to the bandh.
The bandh, however, did not affect normal passenger bus services between Mao and Senapati along National Highway 39.Following the bandh, over 50 goods laden trucks coming from Dimapur towards Imphal are stranded at Mao area, said police source; adding that these trucks might be escorted upto Imphal by security personnel.
Security measures have also been beefed up at Sadar Hills to avoid any untoward incident during the bandh.
"We have enhanced deployment of State forces at strategic points", said SP of Senapati District Kh Chandramani while talking to The Sangai Express.
Bullet proof vehicles are patrolling the areas day and night to pre-empt any undesirable events, the police officer said, adding that static guards have also been deployed at Keithelmanbi Bailey bridge.
Meanwhile, in view of the public appeal against calling the bandh, SHDDC has convened a meeting tomorrow to discuss whether it should be called off or suspended for sometime.
SHDDC president Haokholen Guite said that the Committee is aware of the appeals made by All Colleges Tribal Students' Union, All Tribal Students' Organisation, Manipur and other NGOs to call off the bandh in view of the problems being faced by the people.