Stir resumes, UNC's bandh enforced
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 26 2012:
In pursuit of the demand for arresting self-styled Lt Col Livingstone Anal of the NSCN (IM), Manipur Film Forum, Manipur Shumang Leela Council and various civil society organisations have resolved to resume the agitation by observing an 18-hour general strike from December 26 midnight.
Simultaneously the 72 hour bandh called by the United Naga Council in Naga areas has come into force at the same time as the general strike.
decision to call the general strike and launch different forms of agitation was taken at protest demonstration cum joint meeting of these organisations held today at Kwakeithel Bazar community hall, wherein speakers also expressed strong condemnation against the December 24 evening incident in which a young girl was molested at Napet Palli area under Lamlai police station.
Reiterating demand for arresting and punishment of Lt Col Livingstone, who is accused of molesting and assaulting a film actress and opening fire at her two male colleagues during a musical event at a Chandel district area on December 18, today's meeting also resolved to stage statewide sit-in-protests after the general strike and demand that the Government of Manipur dismantle designated camps of NSCN (IM) in the State.
The meeting also condemned killing of television journalist Thangjam Dwijamani alias nanao in police firing and decided to exempt essential services and religious events from the purview of the general strike which came into effect from midnight.
Speaking at the occasion, Committee on Human Rights chairman Phulindro Konsam said that the ongoing agitation is against the arrogance of Livingstone Anal and anti-people activities of NSCN (IM) .
He also asserted that activities involving NSCN (IM) activists/cadres amount to acts of terrorism and not a liberation movement.
According to All Manipur Bar Association representative A Indrakumar the Supreme Court decree against bandh/blockade should be respected by every section of the society and suggested that other form of agitation such as protest movement against the 60 legislators of Manipur could also compel the Government to take pro-active steps to redress grievances of the people.
In his address, social activist Dhanabir Laishram highlighted that the people's resolve to promote amity and brotherhood amongst the indigenous people is being repeatedly challenged by the NSCN (IM) with the chandel incident as the latest testimony of the rebel group's nefarious intention to sow seeds of hatred in the society.
Kabui Mothers' Association president Kakomlunglu Kamei, who also addressed the gathering stressed on the need to agitate for ensuring that perpetrators of crimes face befitting punishment according to law.
Under no circumstance should a particular issue be the basis for discriminating the people on the ground of religious or race differentiation, she said.
Film Forum Manipur chairman L Surjakanta Sharma dismissing allegations that the Forum suspended the indefinite bandh on the basis of money paid by the Government of Manipur, clarified that the agitation was relaxed for 72 hours to facilitate the Christian community celebrate Christmas without any hindrances.
Representatives of Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, AMUCO, UCM, IPSA, Joint Students' Coordinating Committee and PANDAM also attended the meeting during which silence was also observed to mourn the death of Th Dwijamani.
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