TNL calls 24-hrs bandh
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, July 31 2014:
The Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has called a 24-hour total bandh in the whole Ukhrul district with effect from today midnight registering their objection against preventing Ukhrul denizens from attending yesterday's prayer service at TNL Ground.
The decision was taken in a joint emergency meeting of all Tangkhul civil society organisations held today.
After discussing the existing issue and situation at length, the meeting observed that the State Government had declined to address the demand of the people even after 17 days of imposition of Section 144 CrPc in Ukhrul town.
It also pointed out that a memorandum had already been submitted to Governor VK Duggal demanding immediate removal of the prohibitory order and additional State security forces, unconditional release of eight arrested NSCN (IM) cadres and restoration of NSCN's civil liaison office of Wung Tangkhul region.
Instead of fulfilling these demands, the State Government has been perturbing the people of Ukhrul by continuing deployment of State forces and imposition of Section 144 CrPc, the meeting observed.
It further lamented that security forces prevented a large number of Ukhrul denizens from participating in a peace prayer service yesterday.
As such, the civil society organisation is compelled to call a 24-hour district-wide bandh in protest against State Government's adamant attitude, the meeting pointed out.
Talkers of the meeting questioned why additional State security forces are being deployed and 144 CrPc clamped in the town although there is no law and order problem and people are living peacefully.
So far, there is no provocation from the public, the meeting observed and pointed out that demonstrations and agitations were staged through peaceful and democratic means.
Medical, Power, Telecom, Fire and PHED Departments would be exempted from the purview of 24 hours total shut down.