KSO Sadar Hills imposes 7-day economic blockade
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Kangpokpi, May 11 2015 : Following the failure of the State Government to fulfill the charter of demands submitted, Kuki Students' Organization (KSO) Sadar Hills imposed a seven-day economic blockade from midnight on Monday.

Speaking to media persons, KSO Sadar Hills General Secretary Lamcha Chongloi said that the blockade was to be imposed earlier but due to appeals made by various civil society organizations, the blockade had to be imposed from May 11 midnight.

He said if the state Government refuses to swing into action during the scheduled seven-day economic blockade, the KSO would be compelled to continue the stir till the charter of demands were fulfilled.

The charter of demands include arrest of the persons involved in Moidangpok incident who allegedly "attempted to murder an innocent van driver"; termination of jobs for the police personnel involved in the incident along with the commander in-charge who asked the driver to leave Lalhoiphai Village giving false promise on "safe escort" but handed over the victim to the mob; compensation for the torched van and the medical expenses incurred by the driver and shifting of the proposed site for Cultural University from L Tangnaum through proper channel.

Also condemning the counter bandh and blockade imposed by some valley based organizations, Lamcha Chongloi clarified that KSO Sadar Hills had nothing to do with the land dispute between Moidangpok and Lalhoiphai Village.

KSO also condemned what it called the "broad day light criminal activities" in front of law enforcing agency and the lackluster response towards such incident on the part of the State Government particularly the Home Department.

He also said it was the Government or the Court which should decide who the rightful owner of Lalhoiphai Village was and whether or not the land was acquired illegally.

Meanwhile, Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills also condemned the counter bandh and blockade and termed it as "off the wall" behavior.

Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills Secretary N Sehjalien Gangte lamented the agenda of those organizations involved in the counter bandh and blockade and alleged that such move was to sidetrack the issue.

He also elucidated that Moidangpok incident and the land dispute between Lalhoiphai and Moidangpok were separate issues.

The Inpi Secretary also alleged that during the counter bandh and blockade, minority communities in the area were not allowed to buy any commodities from the shops and termed that incident as "totally communal and distasteful" .

Kuki Inpi Sadar Hills said it wanted an amicable solution to the issue and urged the Government to resolve the impasse in public interests, said Gangte.

KSO Sadar Hills appealed transporters particularly goods carrying vehicles to support and extend co-operation.

The organisation said if anyone violated the blockade call, he or she would be held responsible for any untoward incidents.

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