Senapati clamps 24-hour shutdown over assault case
Source: Chronicle News Service

Senapati, November 02 2024: Reacting to relevant CSOs' failure to address the recent physical assault incident, the Naga People s Organization (NPO) enforced a 24-hour shutdown effective from 4 pm on Saturday, followed by restrictions on all commercial vehicular traffic beyond Senapati district headquarters.

Speaking to the media, NPO president H Kuba Peter expressed disappointment over the absence of any conciliatory efforts by the responsible CSOs, especially given the serious nature of the recent incident.

He contended that, even as the victims are fully aware of the parties involved, the alleged perpetrators are attempting to deny their involvement.

Peter stated that, after exhausting other options, the NPO has been compelled to take this action to safeguard their own people and maintain order within the district.

"The organisation has declared a full 24-hour shutdown starting from 4 pm on November 2, 2024, with additional restrictions on commercial traffic in place thereafter," he announced.

The NPO president further cautioned that the organisation might adopt additional measures if necessary.

In a letter addressed to the chief minister of Manipur, submitted via the deputy commissioner of Senapati, the district's frontal organisations, including the Naga People's Organization, Senapati District Students Association, and Senapati District Women's Association, expressed concerns regarding the sustained distress faced by the local population.

This distress, they noted, stems from ongoing harassment and extortion, which has worsened since the onset of ethnic tensions.

They highlighted a recent incident that has significantly exacerbated the situation: two individuals, V Hrangao Blesson Poumai of Kodom Khullen Village and Dalou Poumai of Liyai Khullen Village, were subjected to an attempted murder and extortion of Rs 61,400 at gunpoint with sophisticated weapons.

The frontal organisations underscored that, despite the severity of this incident, no actions have been taken by CSOs concerned to mediate of address the issue.

The letter further reiterated that the victims have clear knowledge of the parties involved, though those responsible have .attempted to disassociate themselves from the incident.

The district organisations, expressing frustration over prolonged inaction, indicated they had no option but to take measures to protect their people and maintain peace and harmony within the district.

With no amicable solutions in sight, they have collectively decided to enforce a 24-hour shutdown starting at 4 PM on November 2, 2024, with a subsequent restriction on all commercial vehicular traffic beyond Senapati district headquarters.

The letter also indicated that additional actions may be taken should the situation demand further escalation.

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