UNC bandh peaceful, Ukhrul still tense
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, July 16 2014: The 24 hours bandh called by the Uni-ted Naga Council in all the Naga inhabited areas of Manipur in protest against militarization of Naga area by the State Govern-ment, and in pursuit of their demand for expediting alter-native arrangement for the Nagas of Manipur outside the Government of Manipur ended peacefully.

Nnormal life of the district was severely affected as all offices, shops and education institutions remained closed during the bandh.

The Deputy Commissioner office main entrance gate was seen locked and the office complex wore a deserted look.

Only the security personnel were seen guarding the mini secretariat complex.

All bus and vehicular services were completely suspended.

Although no volunteers were deputed to en- force the bandh, public responded to the bandh call positively.

There was no report of any untoward incident till the time of filing this report.

A scene in front of a Govt office at Ukhrul

When contacted, many Tangkhul civil society leaders commenting on the prevailing situation, decried that so far the State Government has not responded to their demand, even though a memorandum was submitted to the Governor of Manipur through the Deputy Commisioner on July 14 seeking immediate intervention in the interest of general public.

The State has been terrorizing the district by deploying additional police commandos, IRB and CRPF creating a war like situation.

"Assassination of the ADC member took place 22 kms away from district headquarters, why 144 CrPC s clampled here?', they asked.

The Government on the pretext of preventing nuisance and disturbance to public tranquility promulgated CrPC even though there is no law and order problem in the district.

Street walls of the town were seen pasted with posters embossed with the words "Go back Commando IRB, Release 8 arrested NSCN IM without condition, Revoke 144 CrPC and Naga want solution not Commando and IRB" .

The Ukhrul populace are apprehensive as there is no sign of withdrawing or revocation of Cr.PC promulgated.

The civil society leaders while questioning the State Government's intention, said that they they are being compelled to resort to any of peaceful democratic demonstration.

"For any eventuality in the course of our demonstration, the state will be held responsible", they asserted.

Reportedly the Governor received the memorandum on July 15 around 5pm.