Thoubal JAC calls state-wide general strike
Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal/Kakching, October 01 2024: Demanding the government to rescue the two youths who are being held hostage by Kuki militants and expressing dissatisfaction over half-hearted effort of the government to secure their safe release, the JAC formed against the abduction of two youths from Thoubal district has declared that its 48-hour general strike in Thoubal district would be extended state-wide for the remaining 24 hours.

Earlier on Monday, the JAC called a 48-hour general strike in the district demanding rescue of the two youths.

The general strike affected normal lives in the district with all commercial operations coming to a grinding halt as educational institutes, offices and shops and establishments remained close on Tuesday.

Announcing the decision to extend coverage of the general strike throughout the state, JAC spokesman Irom Bimol appealed to the people of the state, CSOs, Meira Paibi groups, local clubs and organisations to support the general strike.

Demanding swift action by the government, Bimol said that the JAC might not be able to contain public resentment if the government continues to delay in resolving the hostage situation.

People are already feeling discontented over the uncertainty they are facing amid the crisis.

The JAC and the public managed to control their resentment by keeping their fate in the government but it would be impossible to forever calm the nerve, he said.

During the day, large number of protestors, both men and women took to the streets and enforced the general strike by burning tyres, piling up debris and logs.

All the markets in Thoubal district remained closed.

However, there were no reports of any unwanted incidents till the time of filing this report.

Protestors also gathered at Thoubal Melaground since Monday night.

Protestors could be seen at multiple locations including Lilong, Thoubal Haokha, Thoubal Kiyam Babu Bazar, Khonghanbi, Tangjeng, Yairipok, Huidrom Leikai, Wangkhem Keithel, Thoubal Kshetri Leikai, Charangpat, Wangbal, Uyan, Sanilou, Khangabok Palli Leikai, Thoubal Athokpam, Arong Thong, Khangabok, and Wangjing among others In Kakching district, Meira Paibi Lups, CSOs and local clubs organised protest at Kakching Keithel under the aegis of All Kakching Clubs' Coordinating Committee.

Protestors termed the hostage situation as an act of terrorism and demanded the government to secure their safe release at the earliest.

They pledged full support to the JAC formed against the abduction of the two youths.

Meanwhile, Thoubal Amasung Kakching District Apunba Lup (TAKDAL), in a statement, expressed suspicion behind the abduction of the three youths from Thoubal district and releasing one of them while holding the other two hostages.

There is no certainty that similar incidents would not recur at any place of the state.

The situation has turned so hostile that people no longer feel safe even at their homes, said TAKDAL and urged the perpetrators to release the two innocent youths on humanitarian ground.

It also demanded the government to make all out efforts to rescue the two and further appealed to all CSOs, Meira Paibi Lups and civil bodies to take proactive measures to secure their safe release.

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