Public blockade on Kuki State demand cuts off Senapati, Moreh, Ukhrul from Imphal
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 18 2012: All passenger carriers plying on Imphal-Diampur highway have ceased their service following the indefinite public blockade called by the Kuki State Demand Committee since last evening.

The proposed map of 'Kuki State' (within Manipur), covers Churachandpur and Chandel districts, Sadar Hills in Senapati and large chunks of territories in Tamenglong and Ukhrul.

Nevertheless, a few vehicles could be seen moving on the highway with security escorts.

On the other hand, over thirty goods trucks coming from Dimapur towards Imphal along NH 2, the key supply route of Manipur, remained stranded at Senapati district headquarters though some passenger buses coming along the same route were escorted up to Imphal in the morning.

Since a large stretch of National Highway 2 from Senapati town to Imphal is dominated by the Kukis, the truckers are not willing to move ahead from the town, a police officer said.

To neutralise any subversive or untoward incidents during the bandh, police personnel have been deployed along the highway from Imphal to Taphou Kuki village.

Interesting it was at Taphou Kuki village where bandh supporters stopped all kinds of vehicles from proceeding towards Imphal.

However, vehicles on emergency services were given passage without any hindrances.

Public blockade supporters at different places along the National Highways rally around the proposed call for a Kuki State and deserted street at Kangpokpi

Talking to media persons, Kuki Inpi, Saikul Area president Thangkham Lupho claimed that the bandh is being observed successfully in all 'Kuki areas' .

Nonetheless, there was movement of a few vehicles with security escorts, he admitted.

He said that volunteers have been stationed at Taphou and Khengjang between Imphal and Senapati to block movement of vehicles.

Kangpokpi : Normal life at Kangpokpi and its surrounding areas has been severely affected because of the indefinite public blockade called by the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) since yesterday evening.

Sources said that seven loaded trucks heading towards Imphal from Dimapur side were stoned and damaged at Kangpokpi yesterday night by KSDC volunteers but due to swift action of Kangpokpi Police and 43 Assam Rifles, the volunteers ran away and the trucks escaped without further damages.

Today all vehicular movements were suspended at Kangpokpi areas.

No passenger bus plying on Kangpokpi-Imphal route could be seen.

Senapati bound buses also stayed off the road.

There was no movement of goods trucks on NH-2 .

Moreh : Vehicular traffic along Imphal-Moreh route has also been severely affected on account of the KSDC's indefinite bandh.

All kinds of vehicles heading for Imphal were blocked at Chikim village, just 4 Kms away from Moreh police station.

But there has no been major untoward incident in the border town and surrounding areas so far.

Because of the bandh, business activities at Namphalong market of Myanmar were reduced to a very low volume.

Porters operating between Moreh and Namphalong were left idle as there was very little business transaction.

Ukhrul : Vehicular traffic along Imphal-Ukhrul road was also restricted at Uranpat near Gwaltabi.

Churachandpur : The public blockade imposed by Kuki State Demand Committee was more or less calm in Churachandpur on the second day today with diesel autos and other private vehicles making occasional appearance on the highway.

In view of the KSDC's stir, the district administration ( Churachandpur) has asked the law enforcing agencies to remain on high alert to ensure smooth flow of vehicles.

"Patrolling has been intensified at various strategic areas in the district to thwart any attempt to block smooth flow of traffic," said DC ( Churachandpur ) Jacintha Lazarus .

Reports about any untoward incident still eluding the district.

Blockade volunteers were seen stationed at some places along the Tedim Road in between the bordering village of Kangvai and the township, situations however remains calm for the day.

Sunday being a strictly observed holiday for this predominantly Christian community, traffic was always minimal and all business chores are halted even on a normal day so the true impact of the blockade will be only tomorrow.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam met Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Saturday evening and appraised about holding political dialogue with the Kuki militants groups which are currently under the Suspension of Operation ( Soo) with the Govt.Gaikhangam also discussed about the KSDC's stir.