48-hr anti-AR Zeliangrong bandh begins
Unaware of bandh:ZU, ZWU, ZYF; No positive response: AR
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, April 18 2011: Amidst differences among civil organisations on the demand of shifting of 11 AR from Zeliangrong inhabited areas of the state, a 48-hour bandh was enforced from last midnight.

The 48-hr bandh called by AZSU (AMN) was a total failure as locals moved about as usual, markets were open and vehicles were plying, authority of the 11 AR said in a statement today.

At the same time, Tamenglong zones of Zeliangrong Union, Zeliangrong Women Union and Zeliangrong Youth Front today said that they had no idea that a bandh had been called.

The 11 AR statement termed 'imposition' of the bandh as lies and attempts by AZSU (AMN) to malign the SF but it has been exposed as a shameless and false accusation made on behalf of NSCN/GPRN.

Whereas, it added, the said 48-hour bandh for which planning had been done weeks ago was a failure and people termed it as childish and a waste of time and resources, in turn they totally ignored it.

11 AR with its unceasing endeavours and genuine concern for the people also organised a medical camp in the heart of Tamenglong town today wherein 240 locals turned up and were provided medical treatment including free distribution of medicines followed by interaction with security forces.

All government and private offices were opened and vehicles plied normally.

Full support was given by all in entire Tamenglong district including Noney, Awangkhul, Khongsang, Kaimai, Tousem, Tamei, Nungba and Tamenglong town because of the genuine nature of the SF deployed all over Zeliangrong region.

In Tamenglong itself ZU, ZWU (Manipur), All Village Authority Chairman's Council, Women Development Organisation, Vegetable Vendor Association and all locals supported the SF and ignored the so called bandh, the statement added.

In a joint statement signed by Kaibonang Pamei, chairman of ZU, Tamenglong Zone and president Aniliu Gangmei of Zeliangrong Women Union, referring to the publication on April 9 last in Hueiyen Lanpao under "AZSU calls Zeliangrong bandh from April 17 to 19 against high handed AR" said that they had no knowledge regarding the decision of calling the bandh.

They said "When a bandh is called its negative aspects out-weighs the positive aspects especially in Manipur where it has become a culture, and the priority must be given to the economy.

There are many families striving hard for survival living in hand to mouth conditions and disrupting their daily wage earning activities means so much to them" .

Any political decision of a society ought not to be taken by a student body but rather it should be left to the apex organisation.

An organisation should know its orientation and by passing and intruding means not holding a high esteem of the national society, the statement said informing that various Zeliangrong organisations like ZU, ZSUM, ZWU, ZYF, ZSUTD, TAT and Truck Owners Association, social leaders etc.

had held meeting on April 9 and 12 and decided to call off the bandh called from April 17 to 19 .

The statement urged the people to be aware of the developmental process being hindered by various non-civil organisations asserting that in a civilized world civil society is an appropriate body and no military organisation should stand in the way.

"Might is right" which is characteristic of a barbarous society no long prevails.

Besides, it said, befitting punitive action against Colonel Chhonker of 11 AR mentioned in the charter of demands was not pertinent to the decisions taken by various Zeliangrong organisations.

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