Bandh disturbs normal life; JAC to shut Govt offices
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 28 2024: The 24-bandh called by the JAC formed in connection with killing of one village volunteer and arrest of six Ws disturbed normal life in all valley districts on Saturday.

Markets, shops and establishments remained closed, passenger vehicles remained off the road with agitators blocking roads.

Speaking to media persons during road block protest at Thoubal Wangmataba along NH 102, deceased village volunteer Laishram Priyam's mother lamented that his son was a student and had volunteered to be a village volunteer.

She condemned the death of her son in the hands of state forces.

Bandh disturbs normal life; JAC to shut Govt offices

Asking if the excesses by the state forces continue unabated then who will protect Manipur, she demanded that the commando personnel involved in the killing of her son should be dismissed from service and the six arrested VVs should be released at the earliest.

Priyam's mother also thanked the public for extending their support by holding agitation for getting justice for his son.

Bandh supporters also blocked roads at Thoubal Kiyam Siphai Babu Bazar and at Moirang Palli at Yairipok-Thoubal road.

Meanwhile, JAC, at the end of 24-hour bandh, lambasted the government for not taking their demand seriously and doing nothing to resolve the issue.

Speaking to media persons, JAC's chairman Kh Inaocha thanked the public for extending their support to the total shutdown.

He also announced the JAC's plan to lock down government offices in Thoubal district from Sunday onwards since the government has ignored their demand.

Apologising for any untoward incident during the protest, Inaocha urged a certain organisation not to malign the JAC and the protest it organised for protecting VVs.

On the other hand, major markets of Imphal, Khwairamband Keithel, Thangal Keithel, Paona Keithel and Nagamapal Keithel remained close, passenger vehicles did not ply on the roads, while movement of private vehicles was minimal on account of the total shutdown.

Roads were also blocked in various areas.

Protesters blocked the road at Lamphel Sanakeithel but later, police cleared the road.

Similarly, roads were blocked by protestors at Tiddim road at Thinungei Makha and Mamang Leikai in Bishnupur district with major markets in Nambol, Oinam, Bishnupur, Ningthoukhong, Moirang and Kumbi, passenger services and government offices staying shut.

In Kakching district too, normal life was disturbed with as Kakching, Pallel, Waikhong, Kakching Khunnou and Sungu Keithels and shops along with schools remained closed.