48 hours bandh concludes, six injured
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 20 2023:
The 48-hour bandh called jointly by Langthabal Kendra Clubs' Coordinating Committee (LKCCC), Langthabal Kendra Meira Paibi Coordinating Committee, All Kongba Road United Clubs' Organisation, Kurao Makhong United Club Sagolband Kurao Makhong, Sagolband Apunba Lup and Naharol Yaiphakol against the arrest of five village volunteers by police concluded on Wednesday.
The bandh affected normal life in all the valley districts while at least six women protestors were injured when police resorted to firing tear gas shells to disperse the agitating public.
Passenger vehicles remained off the roads, trade activities came to a standstill with shops and other business establishments pulling down their shutters and educational institutions also remained shut.
Except for those in essential services, medical emergencies and religious activities, there were no commuters on the road with local clubs and Meira Paibi groups enforcing the bandh in almost every locality.
Protestors were seen blocking the roads and shouting slogans demanding unconditional release of the five arrested village volunteers at many places.
In Imphal West, road blocks were put up in areas like Uripok Canteen Leirak, Laishram Leikai, Khulem Leikai and RIMS crossing, Iroisemba Chingjin, Tao-thong, Haorang, Lamdeng, Lamsang Keithel, Sagolband, Tera, Takyel, Naoremthong, Salam, Yurembam, Patsoi, Khumbong, Pishum, Kakwa, Singjamei, MU Gate, Kyamgei, Nagamapal, Thangmeiband, Kwakeithel, Keis hampat, Malom, Meitram, Chingmeirong, Wahengbam Leikai, Keishamthong, Samurou, Hiyangthang, Sekmai, Leikinthabi, Pheidinga, Khabam Lamkhai and Sangakpham among others.
At least six women protestors were injured at Takyel Kolom Leikai when police fired tear gas shells and smoke bombs to disperse protestors.
In Imphal East district, protesters blocked the roads at Khongman, Pangei, Langdum, Kongba, Irilbung, Bamon Kampu, Khurai, Pourabi, Yumnam Patlou and Lilong Chajing among others Meira Paibis of Khabam Lamkhai under Heingang assembly constituency supported the 48 hours bandh called against the arrest of five village volunteers from Kongba area on September 16.Around 300/400 Meira Paibis belonging to Chumbreithong, Khabam Lamkhai, Achan-bigei, Matai, Heingang and Mongjam blocked the NH-2 road in support of the bandh.
During the bandh, Meira Paibis shouted several slogans including unconditional release of all the arrested village volunteers, removal of Assam Rifles from Manipur, to end the violence and protect territorial integrity of Manipur.
Meira Paibis of Chingmeirong Mamang Leikai also supported the bandh and prevented movement of vehicles on roads.
In Thoubal district, people could be seen enforcing the bandh in areas like Thoubal Keithel, Lilong, Wangjing, Yairipok, Khongjom, Khangabok, Athokpam, Thoubal Wangmataba, Lilong Arapti Lamkhai, Lilong Keithel, Urup Arapti, Yairipok, Kekru, Thoubal Kshetril-eikai, etc, In Kakching district too, the 48-hour bandh was enforced fully with people blocking roads at Langmeidong, Thounaojam, Yangdong, Thongjao, Waikhong, Kakching Khunou Lamkhai, and Umathel among others.
Jiribam and Bishnupur districts also witnessed deserted roads with focal clubs and Meira Paibi associations enforcing the bandh.