From Kaimuanthang
LAMKA, May 15: The Kuki State Demand Committee, (KSDC) which had imposed the 72 hours statewide bandh from 6 pm of 12 May till 6 pm today has decided to temporarily suspend its decision to continue with an economic blockade along the two lifelines of the state.
Stating this during an interview at Phailian, Churachandpur today afternoon, spokesperson of the KSDC stated that the decision has been taken considering the problems which the public would face if the blockade was enforced; he however mentioned possibility of fixing another date for the blockade in future. The blockade was slated to begin from 6 pm today till 6pm of May 19 lasting seventy two hours.
Regarding questions on the SoO groups and their demands which may run counter to the KSDC`s demand he said, it is time that the government of India does something by holding political parleys with them. But the Indian government is not serious on what they promised .He added that the concerned parties needs to know the value of time as no substantial outcome has been there.
Meanwhile, the seventy-two hours bandh called by the committee has greatly affected normal life in Churachandpur with schools remaining closed, zero attendance in government offices and vehicular movement has come near to a grinding halt. The markets also closed down as vendors remained absent.
Till the time this reports was filed, there have not been any major incidents except that of the misunderstanding between Manipur Express staff and bandh supporters at Phailian area. The incident occurred in spite of the media being exempted from the bandh.
Further, strike supporters burnt tyres at places in the peripheral areas including Hmar veng , Phailian, Chiengkon and some other areas.
Meanwhile, reliable sources from Moreh town states that KSDC leaders there have decided to call off the economic blockade following appeal from various organizations.
It may be mentioned that border trade was greatly hindered due to the general strike and Moreh town also came to a standstill, the strike also affected the Myanmarese traders of Tamu as businessmen from the state side remained absent.
The Moreh gate number 1, 2 and 3 remained closed down and bandh related activities were witnessed at Chikim veng, Moreh forest gate and Tengnoupal.
It may be mentioned according to reports, border trade activities carried out between Tamu and Moreh in a day amounts to a tune of more than five crores.
Meanwhile, the general strike failed to strike a note in the Kuki dominated Sadar Hills area, as the KNF had opposed it.
Meanwhile, a late report from CCpur has informed that some IRB personnel were being held captive by bandh supporters at Thinkanphai at around 8 pm today. However, the personel were recued by a police team led by IGP T Pachua
Meanwhile, NNN adds: At least 8 persons who are supporters of the 72 hour general strike called by the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) have been detained by police during the last 24 hours at Churachandpur, according to a police source.
The superintendent of police, Churachandpur district said over the phone that police have arrested and detained some supporters of the 72 hour general strike called by the KSDC.
Three persons were reportedly arrested on the night of May 14 and some more were arrested today from Malveng and Bijang areas in Churachandpur town. Now there are eight general strike supporters under the custody of Churachandpur police.
It is also reported that approximately 50 – 100 goods carrying trucks are still stranded at National Highway No. 2 at Senapati, Lairouching and other places along this highway and some at Jiribam due to the general strike.
Inter state and inter district passenger buses were also off the road due to the 72 hour general strike called by the KSDC.