IMPHAL, Oct 15: The ongoing indefinite National Highway 39 bandh called between Imphal and Moreh by Van Drivers and Owner’s Association, Moreh since October 12 midnight has severely affected normal life along the highway.
Apart from hampering day to day trade and business transaction across the international border, the indefinite highway band has greatly affected movement of people along the highway particularly small time traders who used to travel Imphal and Moreh daily.
Many of the traders based in Imphal who went to the border town of Moreh to collect trade items are now struck at the border town and they are unable to return to the state capital.
The indefinite band turned violence today as there is report of unidentified person suspected to be bandh supporters destroying at least five Diesel autorikshaw coming from Imphal towards Moreh apart from taking into their custody a passenger bus, five private vehicles, two Tata Sumo vehicle and two Tata Winger vehicles.
As a result of today’s incident, no passenger vehicles plying along the route are unable to proceed further than Khudengthabi AR post resulting in the passenger having to walk by foot from there to their respective destinations.
Meanwhile, the Meitei Council Moreh (MCM) has expressed that the bandh has caused difficulties to the people who want to enjoy their festivals and do shopping for the festivals.
The MCM also expressed apprehension that various religious festivals including the Kut, Ningol Chakouba and Diwali could be severely affected if the current highway band is ended immediately.
The MCM appeal all the related parties to sit down for negotiation with the government and bring an amicable solution at the earliest.
