12 hour JAC bandh throws life out of gear
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 16 2015 : Normal life was thrown out of gear by the 12-hour State-wide bandh called by the JAC constituted against the death of Sapam Robinhood today.

The JAC clamped the bandh in protest against seeking three months time by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi for passing a new ILP Bill in the State Assembly.

Bandh supporters blocked important roads and highways and burnt effigies of Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at different localities across the four valley districts during the bandh.

In the twin capital districts of Imphal East and Imphal West, all the roads wore a deserted look as most of the private and passenger vehicles were off the roads during the bandh which was effective from 6 am to 6 pm.

The areas where police had a tough time in controlling the bandh supporters were Dingku road, Khurai Lamlong, Imphal-Ukhrul road, Tinsid road and Lamlong to Minuthong road.

Bandh being enforced in Imphal

In some areas, bandh supporters blocked the road by not only burning tyres and placing different objects but also making human chains.

No passenger and private vehicle except emergency services, media and religious ceremonies was allowed to pass these areas.

All the shops and business establishments at Thangal and Paona bazars, Ema Keithels, Lamlong, Kwakeithel, Singjamei, Kongba, Thangmeiband, Nagamapal, Wahengbam Leikai, Nongmeibung, Chingmeirong and Mantripukhri etc remained shut during the bandh.

The bandh was also strictly enforced at different sections of Ayangpalli road, Wangkhei-Kongba road, Mayai Lambi, Imphal-Moreh road, Uripok-Kangchup road, NH-37, Liwa road Khurai-Pangei road, Thambalkhong, Kangla Sangomshang, Nungoi Litan, Pungdongbam, Sawombung Leimakhongmapal, Yourbung, Yourbung Khunou and Khagempalli, Nongren, Nongada, Seijang, Phaknung.

On the otherhand, Government offices also recorded low attendance during the bandh.

Womenfolk of Wangkhei took out a protest rally towards Imphal East police headquarters at Porompat.

However, they were stopped by police near Nongmeibung.

Similar protest rally was also taken out on Liwa road.

It was however blocked by a police team led by Singjamei police station OC N Ingocha.

Large number of State and Central security forces personnel were seen deployed at important areas to thwart unwanted incidents.

At around 2.30 pm, police fired a live round in the air to control a group of bandh supporters who tried to cross Heirangoithong from Liwa road side by pelting stones and firing slingshot projectiles towards the police.

Although, a brief tussle broke out between police and band supporters, the situation was brought under control with the arrival of Singjamei police station OC N Ingocha.

At Kwakeithel Akham Leikai, womenfolk blocked the road by hanging phaneks (women"s loin cloth).

They also shouted pro-ILPS slogans holding Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam"s effigy.

On the otherhand, womenfolk of Haobam Marak Irom Leikai tried to storm the private residence of MLA RK Anand.

However, police blocked them at the gate of the MLA"s residence.

Five selected women were later allowed to meet the MLA.

They submitted a memorandum demanding implementation of ILP to the MLA.

During the bandh, sit-in-protests were staged at Kangabam Leikai, Khoyathong Andolan Keithel, Wangkhei Puja Lampak, Yaiskul Janmasthan, Khagempali, Hodam Leirak Irom Leikai, Luwangshangbam and Chinagangbam Ayangpali road.