Bandh derails normal life for 2nd day on the trot
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 20 2023: Normal life was affected across the valley districts on Wednesday, the second day of the 48-hour shutdown called against the arrest of five persons by the police on September 16 from Kongba area.

The police had claimed that the five persons were arrested along with looted arms and ammunition and were impersonating State commandos.

No unwanted incidents were reported on the second day of the bandh till the time of filing this report.

All important markets including Ima Keithel, temporary market sheds, Paona Keithel, Thangal Keithel, commercial establishments, educational institutions, banks and petrol pumps remained closed while Government offices saw very low attendance.

A few private vehicles and essential service providers plied on the roads.

Bandh derails normal life for 2nd day on the trot

A large number of people came out early in the morning from their respective localities and blocked the roads by placing heavy objects and burning tyres.

Roads were blocked along Uripok-Kangchup Road, Sagolband-Sayang Road, Tiddim Road, Mayai Lambi, Haobam Marak, Tinsid Road, Langthabal, Lamlai, Nongpok Kakching, Minuthong, Imphal-Andro road, Khurai along Imphal Ukhrul and Sagolmang Road, Kiyamgei Moirangkhom and Singjamei along Imphal-Moreh Road, Porompat etc .

Security personnel fired several rounds of tear gas shells at Khurai to disperse bandh supporters at around noon while security measures were taken up at all important junctions of the State capital.

At Kiyamgei, convenor of Peace and Integrity Committee (PIC) Chingakham Meghachandra said that the Government shouldn't arrest 'village volunteers' who have been fighting to protect Meetei villages and the State's integrity.

Is safeguarding the State from aggression a crime, he asked and urged the Government to release the arrested persons unconditionally.

Why is the Government still not taking up any actions against the 10 Kuki MLAs who have openly demanded disintegration of Manipur despite taking a pledge to protect the State and those who wielded automatic guns in the so--called solidarity rally of ATSUM, Meghachandra asked.

Meanwhile at Langthabal, Langthabal Mantrikhong Apunba Meira Paibi Lup secretary Y Sunibala said that they will endorse all movements taken by the people until the five arrested persons are released.

Speaking to the media, a protester at Keishampat also demanded unconditional release of the five persons arrested by the police.

She said that the village volunteers were compelled to come out and protect Meetei villages as the Government failed to do so.

Claiming that the police and Central forces didn't stop when armed gunmen openly took out processions in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur and Kangpokpi but are very active in the valley and use excessive force against peaceful protesters, she urged the security forces to exercise their authority on the Kukis who have been attacking Meeteis and taking illegal taxes along National Highways.

There won't be normalcy in Manipur until the Kuki militants and their associates are controlled, she added.