Ailing man dies amid undue delay in opening AR post
Proposed 48 hrs bandh on Imp-Moreh road deferred
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, April 13 2021: The indefinite bandh called along Imphal-Moreh Highway and Tengnoupal block over the demise of M Lunkhomang Haokip due to alleged laxity on the part of 20 AR posted at Sita Lamkhai, has been deferred.

Lunkhomang, who was brought for treatment towards PHC Tengnoupal following incessant vomiting and loose motion yesterday, died at the entry gate manned by the AR personnel while waiting for the gate to open.

Protesting the incident, Kuki Students' Organisation Tengnoupal Block called an indefinite bandh along Imphal Moreh Road from 5 am this morning.

The bandh was however deffered for 48 hours after KSO Tengnoupal district, Rilram Area Maring Organisation (RAMO) and JAC Against the Death of M Lunkhomang reached an understanding with a team of Police led by Tengnoupal SP, Vikramjit and OC of Tengnoupal PS, John Lamkang during a meeting held at around 2 pm today.

During the meeting, the two parties agreed to press for immediate transfer of the AR Post's Officer-in-Charge, for removal of two check posts at Sita and Rilram villages and deferment of the bandh for 48 hours in view of Cheiraoba celebration.

The bandh will be resumed and carried out indefinitely if higher authorities concerned do not intervene and work out a permanent solution to ensure uninterrupted movement of the villages and conduct of last rites of the deceased.

Son of Lunkhomang Veineihing said that his family had arranged for an Eeco Van to convey his father who was struck with an unknown illness characterized by vomiting and loose motion, towards PHC at Tengnoupal at around 7 pm yesterday.

But his father succumbed at the gate itself due to excessive delay in opening the entry gate, he alleged.

In the meantime, president of Sita Youth Club, Tonggoulen said that the 20 AR posted at Sita Lamkhai has been obstructing movement as they lock the gate at night time.

For one to pass through for some or the other reason, they have to ask the personnel guarding the post which is 100 m away from the gate, he said.

Following Lunkhomang's illness and while making necessary arrangements for transporting, two lads were sent to open the gate in advance to ensure smooth movement.

They however had to wait long as the personnel at the gate took time on the pretext of communicating and seeking permission from their Commandant, he said.

Despite, repeated request in view of the situation, the personnel nearly took one hour to open the gate, he said while expressing strong resentment over the merciless attitude of the personnel.

A member of Sita Khul Authority, Ngamminthang asserted that the AR Post is causing many inconvenience rather than facilitating the welfare of the villagers.

The personnel have been complaining use of loud speakers during programmes and festivals being celebrated at the village while they make loud noises and even indulge in gunfire during their celebrations, he said.

He added that their presence is unnecessarily hindering the movement of the villagers.

If AR personnel are to be obstructing the villagers in spite of assisting them, there is no purpose of opening the post, he continued.

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