UNC bandh ends peacefully
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 16 2014: The 24-hour bandh called by United Naga Council (UNC) in 'Naga areas' of Manipur with effect from last midnight in protest against what it termed as 'the military strength show' of Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in 'Naga areas' and also to press for immediate implementation of 'Alternative Arrangement' passed off peacefully with no report of any untoward incident.

However, apart from affecting normal life in Naga dominated districts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong, traffic along the national highways leading to Manipur remained severely affected during the bandh.

Our Tamenglong correspondent reported that normal life was paralysed in Tamenglong district HQs, as shops and market places, all government offices except the office of Deputy Commissioner, Tamenglong remained closed during the bandh.

Bandh supporters also blocked the movement of vehicles by burning tyres and cartons at the heart of the town.

Bandh supporter

Although no vehicle plied along NH- 37, a few short distance vehicles were seen plying in Noney and Nungba bazaar.

All interstate and district bound passenger vehicles were also suspended today.

However, it is reported that there was no impact of the bandh on National projects like North Eastern Frontier Railways and Power Grid.

In the meantime, Thomas Kamei, Chairman Zeliangrong Baudi Manipur expressed his sincere gratitude to Zeliangrong Youth Front, Zeliangrong Students' Union, frontal civil organisations and general public in particular for their support and cooperation during the 24-h.total bandh imposed by United Naga Council in Tamenglong.

Our Chandel correspondent said that the UNC sponsored 24-hr bandh enforced in Chandel by CNPO, NWUC and the villages chiefs ended peacefully.

There were no movement of vehicles except a few, while no barricade along the road or burning of old tyres was seen.

During the bandh, Chandel district head quarter town remained shut.

The roads wore a deserted look though the Manipur police personnel were seen patrolling.

Govt offices recorded low attendance and passenger carrying buses and Tata Sumo stayed off the road.

Though Pallel bazar was opened for normal business, no vehicle plied on the national highway from Pallel to Moreh as bandh supporters blocked vehicular traffic at Lamkang Khunou.

Enforced by Chiefs' Association and ALT, the bandh was reportedly effective in Khambathel village and Chakpikarong.

Later briefing the media, Publicity and Information secretary of ALT Pashel Sona Anal said the bandh was enforced in protest against the Ukhrul incident.