Public curfew over missing teens ends
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 11 2023: The 33-hour state-wide public curfew/bandh imposed over the disappearance of teenagers Avinash Maibam and Ningthoujam Anthony of Akham Awang Leikai ended at 1pm on Saturday.

During the public curfew, protestors blocked the roads at several places by squatting and piling tree branches.

Many markets including Khwairamband and others remained closed.

After 1pm, normal vehicular movement resumed and the markets reopened.

The bandh was called to demand rescue of two teenage students who are missing since November 5 after driving down the red zone in the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district The shutdown was called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the disappearance of two teenage boys - Avinash and Anthony of the Lamsang village in Imphal West district.

Meanwhile, JAC spokesperson Sunil said that the bandh has given a very clear-cut message to the government that the people will not rest till the two missing boys have been handed over to the JAC in safe and sound state at the earliest.

He further stated that as the government fails to find the missing boys before the completion of the bandh period, the JAC along with Civil Society Organisations, student bodies, and the general public will intensify the agitation.

On the other hand, the JAC has convened a public meeting at Akham Football ground at 11 am on Sunday.

In a release, JAC convenor Tongbram Deepak appealed to all CSOs, student bodies, political parties, Meira Paibis, clubs and organisations to participate in the meeting.

On the other-hand, Yaipha Lamjing Nupi Lup and Eastern Popular Club, Khurai Sajor Thoidingjam Leikai organised a sit-in protest against the abduction of two teens on November 5.Protestors raised concern over the failure of the state government to protect the lives of common people and persistent threat from the Kuki militants.

They also shouted slogans demanding to trace the two teens and to protect the territory of the state at any cost.

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