Bandh affects border trade
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 26 2015 : The 48-hour NH-102 bandh called by the Joint Action Committee for Immediate Removal of KNO/KNLF from Tengnoupal Block with effect from May 25 midnight has severely affected Indo-Myanmar bilateral trade at Moreh and Namphalong markets.

Although, trade between the countries remained opened today as well, it was largely affected due to non arrival of goods laden vehicles from Imphal.

No vehicle plied on the highway between Pallel and Khudengthabi during the bandh as bandh supports blocked the road at areas like Saivom, Tengoupal and Sita.

Speaking to reporters at Tengnoupal, JAC spokesperson and Chehlep village chief L Thangboi Mate said that they have been demanding removal of all KNO/KNLF cadres from Tengnoupal sub-division of Chandel district.

After the villagers gave permission to opening of Hermon designated camp of KNA at Chehlep village, the Government has set up the camps of United Minority Liberation Army, Pakan Revolutionary Army and KNLF in the sub-division, Thangboi said.

As such, villagers would oppose setting up of a camp of KNLF in addition to the existing camps of other groups, he said.

"We want development, and we don't want to live with fear due to the presence of so many UG cadres", he said.

Thangboi also urged the Government not to change Tengnoupal sub-division into a rehabilitation site for UG cadres.

Saying that Chehlep village gave permission to setting up of KNA's designated camp with the hope that the villagers would live in peace if the UG outfits sign SoO with the Government, Thangboi said that they never demanded any land compensation from the Government as well.

If the Government is not willing to shift these camps, they must provide compensation to the villagers so that they may shift to other places, he said.

He further clarified that the ongoing agitation is not an attempt to stand against 24 Assam Rifles and 6 Dogra Regiment.

He said that they would intensify their agitation after ADC elections if the Government fails to fulfil their demand.

It may be mentioned that Chandel district police and 6 Dogra Regiment brought KNLF cadres from their Semol designated camp to Hermon camp on May 12.Earlier on May 9, KNLF cadres allegedly thrashed five villagers of neighbouring Sehao village and five labourers engaged in road construction works under PMGSY.

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