Effigies of PM, UHM, CM, Security Advisor torched
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 20 2024: Normal life was disrupted in the valley districts on the first day of the 48 hours bandh called by the Joint Action Commi-ttee (JAC) against the brutal killing of Takhellambam Manoranjan Singh.

The bandh began at 5 am today.

Effigies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Minister N Biren Singh and Security Advisor to Manipur Government Kuldiep Singh were burnt at Langdum Lamkhai in Imphal East by bandh supporters from Keirao, Lang- dum, Khanarok, Chanam Sandrok and Thiyam Konjin.

"We no longer want a BJP Government in Mani-pur", the bandh supporters shouted while burning the effigies.

Effigies of PM, UHM, CM, Security Advisor torched

All important market places and shops at Ima Keithel, Paona Keithel, Thangal Keithel, Lamlong, Singjamei, Pishum, Kei-shamthong, Konung Mamang, Thoubal Keithel, New Market Yairipok, Wangjing Keithel, Khong-jom Keithel, Nambol Kei- thel, Oinam Keithel, Bish-nupur Keithel, Ningthou- khong Keithel, Moirang Keithel and Kumbi Keithel remained closed while public transport services didn't operate.

Other business establishments and oil pumps in Imphal and other valley districts were also closed for the day.

People in large numbers came out on the streets at Lamsang, Khurai Lamlong, Kiyamgei and Waithou and disrupted the vehicular movements by placing hard objects and burning tyres.

Attendance in offices was also reportedly thin.

No untoward incident has been reported so far.

Manoranjan Singh was killed in an attack launched by Kuki militants at Kang-chup on January 18 .

At Kiyamgei, Peace and Integrity Committee Kiyam-gei ( PICK) convenor Ch Meghachandra said that Takhellambam Manoranjan from Thiyam Konjin was murdered by Kuki militants in cold blood after taking him captive.

He also said that Mano-ranjan was an innocent person and he became a village volunteer to defend Meetei villages from the onslaught of Kuki militants.

Saying that they blocked the road as an endorsement to the 48 hours bandh called by the JAC, he added that PICK and All Kiyamgei Nupi Chaokhat Lup (AKNCL) will support all initiatives taken up by the JAC to deliver justice to Manoranjan.

Questioning why the State Government is still silent despite knowing that armed militants from Myanmar have a hand in attacking State forces at Moreh, he asked if the Centre and the State Government have a hidden agenda or are awaiting doom of the Manipuri people.

He also questioned the role of all the Central forces deployed in Manipur amid the violence.

Saying that there still is no coordination among the ruling and Opposition parties despite the grave situation the State has been witnessing since May 3 last year, Meghachandra continued that it is the people who have been facing the brunt of the violence and insincerity of political leaders.

The 'Nation first' ideology of BJP is a lie and it is only election that matters to them, he claimed and added that so many lives could have been saved had the double engine BJP Governments taken the situation in Manipur with utmost seriousness.

He also said that there is no point of having an elected Government in Manipur if they cannot take charge of the Unified Command.