Bandh affects normal life
Source: The Sangai Express

Imp/Jiri/Tbl/Bpr, March 15 2024: Normal life was disrupted in all valley districts and Jiribam today due to the general strike called by Federation of Civil Society Organisations, Manipur and others against the arrest of three cadres of Pambei led UNLF by NIA.

Roads were blocked at multiple places of the five valley districts and Jiribam and the number of vehicles hitting the road was lower than usual but the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination began as announced by BOSEM today despite the bandh.

Some vehicles were vandalised in Bishnupur while a sand laden truck was reportedly damaged at Kakching Lamkhai by the bandh supporters.

Bandh affects normal life

Keithels and most of the shops were closed across the valley districts in support of the bandh which demanded unconditional release of the three cadres of Pambei led UNLF.

At Moirang, people came out in different areas from early in the morning and blocked Tiddim Road at multiple locations.

Some vehicles which were traversing along Tiddim Road were vandalised by the bandh supporters.

Keithels in the district viz Nambol Keithel, Oinam Keithel, Bishnupur Keithel, Ningthoukhong Keithel, Moirang Keithel, Kumbi Keithel wore deserted look and schools (except HSLC exam centres) were closed.

The bandh supporters, however, didn't stop essential service providers and those who came out for the HSLC examination and to attend religious ceremonies.

It is said that the bandh intensified in the district after 1 pm when today's paper of HSLC examination got over.

Passenger service providers remained off the road in the district.

Meanwhile in Thoubal, the bandh supporters came out a little late as they didn't know whether the general strike was enforced or not.

Roads were blocked in Thoubal by both men and women at multiple places viz Athokpam, Thoubal Wangmataba, Yairipok Keithel and Wangjing-Heirok Lamkhai among others.

Speaking to the media by the sideline, the protesters said that the arrest of three cadres of Pambei led UNLF is unacceptable and deman-ded unconditional release of all three of them.

They cautioned that they will launch more severe agitation if the arrested trio is not released.

HSLC examination appearing students and health and other emergency related services were given passage by the bandh supporters.

Keithels and shops were closed. The general strike was complete in Jiribam too with roads almost deserted and shops and keithels closed for the day.

Security personnel were deployed at strategic locations to avoid unwanted incidents.

The bandh supporters also stopped vehicles coming from Cachar side and those heading towards Assam.

There was no disruption in HSLC examination despite the imposition of bandh.

Speaking to media persons, All Jiribam Meira Paibi president S Sushila Devi said the people of Jiribam endorsed the general strike.

She appealed to the concerned to release the three arrested cadres of Pambei led UNLF.