Kpi CSOs relax bandh in view of Good Friday
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, April 01 2021: Kangpokpi Civil Society organizations in its decision taken late in the evening after a joint meeting of all the CSOs decided to relax the ongoing 36 hours bandh in view of Good Friday tomorrow.

The bandh was also relaxed considering the appeal of the in-charge Minister Losii Dikho and the local MLA Nemcha Kipgen.

The CSOs Kangpokpi also unanimously resolved that the Superintendent of Police Kangpokpi shall be transferred immediately and the arrested volunteers be released without any condition.

The CSOs Kangpokpi alleged the SP of being stubborn and incompetent in dealing with the law and order situation peacefully in the district, which could be dangerous for the people in future while also alleging that his attitude to forcefully disperse the protesters by using commandos is not acceptable and such inhumane attitude will not be tolerate by the people.

Kpi CSOs relax bandh in view of Good Friday

Earlier in the day, the 36 hours bandh was called after Commandos deployed along the highway in connection with the bandh allegedly assaulted seven volunteers including Social and Culture Secretary of KSO Sadar Hills.

Kangpokpi CSO's 36 hours bandh came into force from 6am this morning along National Highway 2 .

All business establishments were closed and vehicular movement especially loaded trucks, passengers service, etc along the highway came to a standstill while normal life had been badly affected owing to the bandh.

Volunteers were seen enforcing the bandh at various locations at Taphou Kuki, Kangpokpi DHQs, Keithelmanbi, Saparmeina, Motbung and Gamgiphai.

The volunteers intensified the bandh after Commandos deployed along the highway allegedly assaulted seven volunteers including KSO Sadar Hills Social and Culture Secretary after being arrested near N Songlung under Gamnom Saparmeina Police Station.

Kangpokpi CSO's spokesperson, K Songreng Kom told media persons at Keithelmanbi that the assault sparked anger among the people and they instantly intensified the bandh.

He said that the Commandos were never welcomed in the hill district and the State Government intentionally deployed them to assault and harass the peaceful protesters.

The arrested volunteers were lodged at Gamnom Saparmeina Police Station.

KSO Sadar Hills Social and Culture Secretary was first brought to PHC Gamnom Saparmeina and later to District Hospital Kangpokpi, where he was also referred to Kangpokpi Christian Hospital for X-ray.

It may be recalled that the Kangpokpi District civil society organisations had on March 19 conveyed the State Government of their resentment over the alleged 'disturbing' transfer and posting of officials in Kangpokpi district and demanded immediate redressal within a week.

After the dateline of the stipulated ultimatum, the CSOs Kangpokpi in a press conference held at Kuki Inn Imphal announced the 36 hours total bandh in Kangpokpi district.

According to the CSOs, the already insufficient manpower in various departments of the district has been further reduced by transferring officials without sending any replacement since the last few years and it continued every time any transfers and posting happened in the district.

The CSOs also submitted a 16 points Charter of Demands to the State Government through the district in-charge Minister Losii Dikho and the local MLA.

Yesterday, the Minister Losii Dikho met with the representatives of CSOs at Kangpokpi town but could not come up with a solution and later conveyed the CSOs decision to the Chief Minister.

According to the CSOs, Minister Losii Dikho conveyed the Chief Minister's appeal to the CSOs late in the evening to address some of the demands immediately and to discuss the remaining demands with the CSOs.

However, not a single order was issued till date as stated by the CSOs while adding that they are compelled to go ahead with the bandh.

It may also be mentioned that a meeting was also held between the representative of CSOs Kangpokpi and authority concerned of the police department at KSO Sadar Hills Administrative office building in Kangpokpi town over the alleged assault by the commandos.